WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Even after flood waters recede or fallen trees are removed, the damage caused by disasters can remain. That’s the bad news. But there is good news.

If you take some simple steps to capture essential documents, the road to restoration and recovery will be much smoother. More good news? This month’s tip for becoming prepared is one of the easier ones. In May, as part of the Prepare in a Year plan, we focus on the importance of certain documents and how to ensure you have what you need following a disaster.

For instance? One important “document” is something you likely have with you all the time anyway – your driver’s license. What about those you don’t typically carry with you? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • ID (driver’s license, passport)
  • Proof of insurance (home, renter’s, vehicle, healthcare, pet)
  • Medical information (list of medications, veteran benefits, disability status)
  • Financial documents (bank accounts, retirement funds)
  • Legal papers (estate documents, power-of-attorney, will and “living will”)
  • List of valuables

You can photograph each of these to create copies you can store on your phone in a secure folder. It’s also smart to use your phone to take pictures of each room in your home, as these could be important as “before” images for insurance claim.

Just make sure your phone is with you, when it’s time to evacuate. In some cases, you may want to bring originals with you. In addition to a Go-Bag with essentials, some people include a plastic zip-lock bag for treasured family photos or heirlooms.

The comfort of those photos and the convenience of key documents on your phone should help ensure recovery from disaster is as pain-free as possible. But if you’re a belt and suspenders person? Maybe store paper copies of those documents with a trusted friend or at the bank.

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.