Emergency Prep: Creating Your Digital Go-Bag
Inspired by Lindsay McGillivray
Build a simple digital go-bag before an emergency. Choose your device for quick cloud-backup steps, then use our checklist to protect essential records and memories.
With all the news about recent wildfires, packing your physical go-bag always comes first. If you can, take a few minutes while preparing and secure your essential files to the cloud. It only takes a few moments and provides huge peace of mind.
If you are on an evacuation alert, grab your portable devices, bring your chargers, and follow the simple steps below for your hardware. If an Evacuation Order is issued, leave immediately—never delay physical safety for digital files.
Choose Your Device
Choose your current setup to see quick, device-agnostic backup steps using cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive.
📱 Mobile Path (Phones & Tablets)
- Verify Cloud Sync: Open your preferred cloud app (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive) and ensure auto-sync or backup is enabled for Photos and Documents.
- Scan Critical Paperwork: Use your phone’s built-in camera or cloud app scanner to capture quick photos of essential physical documents.
- Pack Power: Place your device, charging cable, and a fully charged portable power bank directly into your go-bag.
💻 Desktop Path (Laptops & Computers)
- Prioritize the Drive Folder: Open your cloud storage folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) on your computer and drag your most critical folders directly into it.
- Quick Video Inventory: If time allows, record a quick 2-minute video walkthrough of your home on your phone, upload it directly to your cloud drive, and let it sync.
- Grab & Go: If using a laptop, shut down, unplug, and pack the laptop and charger together in an accessible spot near your door.
Essential Emergency Checklist
Prioritize uploading or backing up these high-priority items first:
- Identification: Digital scans or photos of passports, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates.
- Property & Insurance: Policy numbers, home/renter insurance documents, and land titles or lease agreements.
- Property Inventory: Photos or video showing the current condition of your home and high-value items for insurance claims.
- Financial & Medical: Emergency contact sheets, recent tax notices, and active medication lists or medical records.
- Irreplaceable Memories: Unbacked family photo archives or personal creative projects.
Put Safety First
Stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and let the physical safety of your household take priority over everything else.
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