Continued from Part 1 of ID Theft and Natural Disasters…

When dealing with ID theft and natural disasters, you will need to set aside some time to take stock of the personal information about your home and where else there might be information about you held. Local businesses might have some of your personal information stored in their files or on their computers. Make a list and include the business name, address and telephone number, as it might be necessary to contact them later to find out if their business was affected by the disaster.

Preparing for the Worst…

Take action and collect the paperwork you’ve identified and get it stored in a secure place. The list below should give you a starting point for protecting yourself against identity theft.

• Driver’s Licenses
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Social Security Cards and Statements
• Adoption Paperwork
• Insurance Paperwork (Auto, Health, Home, Pets)
• Past Tax Returns
• Lease and/or Mortgage Paperwork
• Bank Statements
• Credit Card Statements
• Utility Bills
• Investment Paperwork

Gather it all together and store in a waterproof and fireproof container. A heavy plastic bag in a fireproof safe should do the trick. If the safe is portable, all the better – just grab and go!

As part of the evacuation plan, make sure everyone understands who has responsibility for the paperwork (and a Plan B).

Staying Safe During the Disaster…

Criminals count on the chaos that follows a disaster. In a shelter, there may well be an opportunist lurking there, waiting for just the moment when your attention is low. When it happens, they’ll grab whatever is in reach including your personal information. It may not be used immediately, or ever used at all, but as everyone knows – personal information is particularly valuable these days.

Wherever you find yourself taking refuge, at all times keep that paperwork safe on your person and at all times within your sight. More than three-quarters of reported cases of ID theft victims said they actually knew the thief.

Disasters, whether man made or natural, are an unfortunate fact of life. You cannot stop or prevent them but you can minimize some of the trauma by protecting your identity through some diligent planning. It’ll be worth the effort in the aftermath and worth it now in the peace of mind you will gain knowing that your personal and financial documents, and those of your family are secure.

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