Natural disasters can create devastating damage. However, steps can be taken to minimize the potential loss; both personal and professional.

Step 1: Make a list – write down or videotape all of your possessions. Be sure to make a detailed description, to include serial numbers and any type of written document you have to accompany the property. List all of your expensive items, cars, jewelry, China and anything else of high value.

Step 2: Get professional advice – Seek the advice of a professional to go over ways to minimize financial loss in case of a disaster. Go over your insurance forms, homeowner’s policies, etc. to make sure that you are adequately covered. Sustaining substantial loss during a natural disaster can be devastating. However, if you are prepared then you can minimize that devastation.

Step 3: Rethink your computer – Computers are a great source for backing up data. However, they should not be your only source. In cases of natural disaster, it would be rather difficult move your entire computer. Saving your data to an alternate source, one that is much more portable would be ideal.