In South Florida, where hurricanes and floods are part of life, protecting your home is essential, but so is protecting your memories. Photos, letters, videos and keepsakes hold irreplaceable emotional value. Losing them can be devastating. Fortunately, the American Red Cross offers practical steps to help you preserve your most cherished items before disaster strikes.

Explore the Virtual Home

The Red Cross virtual home  walks you room by room through tips on protecting your most cherished belongings. It’s an invaluable tool for families in disaster-prone areas like South Florida.

Jewelry and Valuables

Always keep an up-to-date record of your high-value items for insurance purposes, including jewelry and collectibles. If you’re forced to evacuate during a disaster, never return to retrieve valuables unless authorities say it’s safe.

Long-Term Storage

Avoid storing irreplaceable items in areas vulnerable to leaks, flooding, extreme temperatures or pests like the attic, garage or basement. Instead, use climate-controlled areas of your home for better protection.

Digital Assets

Make digital copies of your most treasured physical items like photos, home videos and family recipes. Upload them to a secure, cloud-based storage platform. Also create physical backups on external hard drives and store them in a waterproof and fireproof container.

Antiques and Furniture

In preparation for hurricanes or floods, move valuable furniture and antiques to upper floors, if possible. Keep fragile or delicate items away from windows or shelves that may collapse. The goal is to limit exposure to wind, falling debris and shifting surfaces.

Memorabilia

Memorable objects like Christmas ornaments, artwork, baby clothes, souvenirs or collectible cards can be incredibly sentimental. Use airtight containers, frames or display cases to keep them safe from humidity and damage.

Documents and Awards

Historic documents, handwritten letters, diplomas and awards should be stored flat using archival-quality materials. Acid-free paper, folders and boxes help prevent deterioration. For added protection, keep these items in a cool, dry and climate-controlled space.

Prepare a “Memory Go-Bag”

Build a small emergency kit with digital copies of your irreplaceable documents and photos, a USB or hard drive and a few treasured mementos. This “go-bag” ensures you can take your most important memories with you if you need to evacuate quickly.

Disasters can destroy homes, but they don’t have to erase your story. With some planning and the right storage methods, you can keep your memories safe and pass them on for generations.

Visit the Red Cross Virtual Home for more ways to protect your past – before the next storm comes.