The recent weather drama made me realize I have woefully disregarded my Girl Scout motto to always “Be prepared.” I did not take Hurricane Irene seriously until the business continuity preparedness e-mail began flooding my inbox that Friday. Upon being asked if I was prepared, I realize my refrigerator contained six eggs, a bottle of Champagne, and a cucumber.

After buying a little food and tying down the deck furniture, I thought I was done. But then someone asked if I had a “go bag” packed. I found a bag and tossed in a pair of jeans and a couple of tees. I had time to think about what else I would put in this bag – what would I want really want to take? I have no jewelry of any great value, too many photo albums to lug, and way too many objects of sentimental value for me to actually have to choose which would make the cut. What I did realize was that the most important thing I would need to have was information. I already had all of my logins and passwords on a CD, so I tossed it in the bag, now prepared for the worst.

Fortunately, I was lucky enough that I didn’t have to use the go bag, but the process made me realize that this digital age does have some advantages with regard to preserving our important info and even some memorabilia.

Passwords

While I regularly back up my computer data online, I am a little skittish about uploading my passwords. But if you are comfortable with having yours stored online, writer Elaine G. Flores recommends LastPass.com. This password manager website securely stores your logins and passwords so that you only have to remember one.

Photos

I like having hard copy picture albums, but now I see the advantages of uploading even your old photos to a site such as Shutterfly.com so that you can have a backup if your originals are destroyed.

Account Numbers

With online banking most of us can easily access our various account numbers. If you want to have all of your bills come to one central place online, you can try a site like manilla.com, which acts as your bills mailbox.

Years ago I actually did have to flee an apartment building fire. It was early in the morning so people were in various stages of dress as we gathered outside. I saw people clutching the things that were important to them, the hands of children, rosary beads, jewelry boxes, or photo albums. But I will never forget one hapless looking woman standing in her nightwear, resignedly holding a large speaker under each arm. Her husband was holding a tuner and turn table. Yes, her husband made them take the time to save the stereo. Yes, I believe they’re divorced now, but they are very prepared.

“Expect the best; prepare for the worst.”

~ My mother, Agnes Moran