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« on: Monday 09 February 09 23:46 GMT (UK) »
The loss of so much in the fires here in Victoria, Australia spurs me to remind family history researchers to ensure that they have copies of there personal source documents e.g. Birth certs, marr certs, passports, car license etc. It is essential that you have copies OFF SITE. An idea is in a bank deposit box, or a copy with relative. Many people lost all they had in the fires and now have NO way of proving there ID. This makes is hard for Insurance and Welfare services to help. Scanning these essential documents onto DVD and copying off site is recommended. Photos of family is also recommended as these are generally lost in a fire. Think, how would I prove who I am, if I lost everything. Perhaps other members may make other suggestions. Im sure that most researchers are meticulous with dead rels certs etc. Perhaps now would be a good time to reflect on our own disaster recovery situation. Kindest Regards, Richard Hallford, Victoria, Australia