Replacement Of Valuable Documents And Records
Here’s a check list of documents you will need to replace if they have been destroyed, and who to contact for information on the replacement process.
|
ITEM |
WHO TO CONTACT |
|
|
|
|
Driver’s license, Auto registration |
Department of motor vehicles |
|
Bank books (checking, savings, etc.) |
Your bank, as soon as possible |
|
Insurance policies |
Your insurance agent |
|
Military discharge papers |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
|
Passports |
Passport service |
|
Birth, death and marriage certificates |
Bureau of Records in the appropriate state |
|
Divorce papers |
Circuit court where decree was issued |
|
Social Security or Medicare cards |
Local Social Security office |
|
Credit cards |
The issuing companies, as soon as possible |
|
Titles to deeds |
Records department of the locality in which the property is located |
|
Stocks and bonds |
Issuing company or your broker |
|
Wills |
Your lawyer |
|
Medical records |
Your doctor |
|
Warranties |
Issuing company |
|
Income tax records |
The IRS Center where filed or your accountant |
|
Citizenship papers |
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service |
|
Prepaid burial contract |
Issuing company |
|
Animal registration papers |
Humane Society |
|
Mortgage papers |
Lending institution |
Salvage Hints
Professional fire and water damage restoration businesses may be the best source of cleaning and restoring your personal belongings. Companies offering this service can be located in the phone directory.
Clothing
A word of caution before you begin: test garments before using any treatment, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Several of the cleaning mixtures described in this section contain the substance Tri-Sodium Phosphate. This substance can be purchased under the generic name TSP. Tri-Sodium Phosphate is a caustic substance used commonly as a cleaning agent. It should be used with care and stored out of reach of children and pets. Wear rubber gloves when using if you have sensitive skin. Read the label for further information.
Smoke odor and soot can sometimes be washed from clothing. The following formula may work for clothing that can be bleached:
· 4 to 6 tbsp. Tn-Sodium Phosphate
· 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach
· 1 gallon warm water
Mix well, add clothes, rinse with clear water. Dry thoroughly.
An effective way to remove mildew from clothing is to wash the fresh stain with soap and warm water, rinse, and then dry in the sun. If the stain has not disappeared, use lemon juice and salt or a diluted solution of household chlorine bleach.