A Simple 4-Step Plan to Save Your Family History in a Disaster Scenario

In the last 24 hours, thousands of Americans lost their homes. If you only had 20 minutes to save your genealogy work, here's a plan to do it.

Natural disasters can strike at any time, leaving you with only minutes to evacuate.

Your first priority should always be following the directions of local authorities, and ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets. Once those are secure, you may have a short window of time to grab the most valuable and irreplaceable items—your family history records. This plan provides a suggested structure to collect essential items efficiently.

Having a plan in place before an emergency will make it much easier to protect these treasures.

20 Minutes to Save Your Family History

If you have 20 minutes to save your family history, here’s how to break it down in 5 minute steps.

Step 1: Grab a Container & Digital Storage (First 5 Minutes)

• Waterproof Container – Use a plastic bag or a sturdy, opaque plastic tub with a secure lid to protect documents from damage.

• External Hard Drive or USB Drive – If you have digital backups of family records, make sure to take them with you.

• Computer or Tablet – If your genealogy work is stored on your devices and they are portable, bring them along.

• Cloud Backup Credentials – Ensure you have access to any cloud-stored genealogy records by keeping login details handy.

Step 2: Prioritize Irreplaceable Family History (Next 5 Minutes)

• Vital Records – Birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, and other essential legal documents.

• Oldest & Most Fragile Photos – Grab original, irreplaceable family photos that haven’t been digitized.

• Family Heirlooms – Small, meaningful artifacts such as jewelry, letters, or keepsakes should be taken if time allows.

Step 3: Quick Digital Capture (Next 5 Minutes)

• Take a Video Inventory – Walk through your home recording a video of important family history items you may not be able to take. Use high resolution and narrate details as you go.

• Flip Through Papers – Quickly capture images of key documents using your phone.

Step 4: Final Exit Check & Safe Placement (Final 5 Minutes)

• Label Your Container – Mark it clearly as "Important Family History" and include your name for easy identification.

• Use Desiccant Packets – If available, place silica gel packets inside to prevent moisture damage.

• Secure with Tape – Seal the container with packing or duct tape for added protection.

• Store Remaining Documents in a Dishwasher – If leaving items behind, placing them in a sealed dishwasher can help protect them from fire and water damage.

• Ensure Everyone Knows the Plan – If possible, delegate tasks among family members to divide responsibilities and save time.

Make a Genealogy Grab-and-Go Kit Anytime

A genealogy grab-and-go kit can be prepared well in advance of an emergency. Every family historian should have one ready to go. Take the time now to clearly label what is inside and why it is important. By organizing ahead of time, you ensure that your family history is safe, secure, and easily accessible when it matters most.