Protect Your Memories: Backup Your Photos & Videos Before It’s Too Late
As California’s wildfires rage on, take action now to safeguard your precious memories from unexpected disasters.
As the devastating wildfires in California continue to impact countless lives, we’re reminded of how fragile our homes—and the memories they contain—can be. For many, the rush to evacuate leaves little time to save cherished photos and videos, which often hold irreplaceable memories.
If you’ve ever thought about preserving your memories but haven’t acted yet, this is your call to take action. In this guide, I’ll share practical steps to help you protect your precious photos and videos from disasters like wildfires, floods, and other emergencies.
Watch Video Here
Why Backing Up Matters
In moments of crisis, we often realize what truly matters: family, pets, and the memories that tie our lives together. As someone passionate about digital organization, I’ve spent years creating systems for preserving photos and videos. This video and article serve as a reminder that safeguarding your memories is not just important—it’s urgent.
When you take the time to back up your memories, you’re not just protecting them; you’re ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Step 1: Digitize Physical Photos and Videos
If you’re like me—a child of the ’90s—you likely have boxes of old physical photos stored away. These precious memories can easily be lost in a disaster, but there’s a solution: digitization.
What You Need:
• A photo scanner (my recommendation) https://amzn.to/3YQiub3
• Alternative options, such as scanning apps, if a dedicated scanner isn’t feasible (google photo scan)
Once scanned, upload these digital files to a secure location like Google Photos or a cloud storage service. For added security, create multiple backups:
• Save copies on external hard drives and store them in safe locations, like a bank deposit box.
• Share copies with trusted family members.
For videos, consider converting old VHS tapes to digital files. (This ensures they’re accessible and preserved for future generations.
Step 2: Backup Digital Photos
Most of us store photos on our phones, computers, or social media platforms, but these locations aren’t failproof. Here’s how to protect your digital memories:
1. Download all your photos from social media platforms like Facebook. Many people don’t realize how much of their life is tied to these platforms until they lose access.
2. Upload digital photos to multiple cloud storage solutions, such as Google Photos or iCloud.
3. Avoid relying solely on one platform; create physical backups using external hard drives or printed copies.
Step 3: Prepare for Emergencies
Natural disasters often strike without warning, leaving little time to react. Having a system in place can make all the difference:
• Keep a small, portable hard drive with essential files and photos that you can grab in an emergency.
• Document the items in your home for insurance purposes by photographing or recording them in a digital inventory (I use Notion for this).
Resources
Here are some tools and resources to help you get started:
• Photo Scanner: https://amzn.to/3YQiub3
• VHS Conversion Services:
Legacybox Services: Photo scanning, videotape transfers, film, and audio conversion to digital. Website: https://www.Legacybox.com
ScanMyPhotos Services: Photo, slide, and negative scanning; converts videos and film reels to digital. Website: https://www.ScanMyPhotos.com
iMemories Services: Scans photos and converts videos (VHS, 8mm film, etc.) to digital formats. Website: https://www.iMemories.com
EverPresent Services: Digitizes photos, slides, negatives, videos, and even audio formats. Website: https://www.EverPresent.com
• Other Helpful Videos
• Places to Donate:
American Red Cross: Provides shelter, food, and comfort to those affected by disasters.
The Salvation Army: Offers a range of services to disaster survivors, including food, shelter, and emotional support.
California Community Foundation: Supports a variety of relief efforts, including providing financial assistance to those affected by the fires.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Helps individuals and families affected by disasters to get back on their feet.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Provides support to firefighters and their families.
Airbnb Open Homes: Connects people who need temporary housing with those who are willing to share their homes for free.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Provides expertise and resources to help donors make informed decisions about how to support disaster relief efforts.
Final Thoughts
Disasters like wildfires remind us that while our possessions can be replaced, our memories cannot. Taking the time to back up your photos and videos now will ensure they’re safe no matter what happens.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who might need a reminder to protect their memories. Let’s spread the word and make sure no one has to face the heartbreak of losing irreplaceable moments.
Stay safe,
Jenna