Here in South Florida we were all indeed very lucky to have had storms like Ike pass us by and in addition to being safe, dry, and powered up, Ike left us a valuable reminder of how important it is to be prepared for emergencies.
 
Within a day of expecting a storm we are able to stock our cabinets with non-perishable foods, check our battery supply, get our yards clean, and keep important documents handy. But one thing that we can't do last minute is preserve something that is irreplaceable.  These are the images and recorded memories on photographs and video tape. 
 
When you see stories of devastation, often people comment on how they lost their photographs and similar memorabilia that is one of a kind and priceless.  To them, it is a heartbreaking loss because unlike a home or damaged furniture it cannot be rebuild or replaced.  Planning ahead to preserve these items can be easy, and knowing you've got not only back-ups but a compact format of your "life" is can be reassuring especially in times of stress and anxiety.
 
I have created montage videos of my family incorporating my favorite photos and video clips and birth announcements, etc. and I keep those DVD's in my "ready to go" briefcase along with the important documents I'd need if I ever need to evacuate.
 
Transferring Video (and Video Camera) Tapes to DVD and Photos to CD and/or making montage videos is a great way to preserve your memories.  They're fun to watch in this simple format, and easier to grab if you ever need to pack up and head for the hills.
 
Written by Jana Warren
Of Lifetimes on Video
954-384-0047