Residents of Israel are quite security conscious and the authorities are well trained in dealing with threats that arise from human actors. Recently, however, a series of natural disasters, in the form of raging fires during several unseasonably warm and dry days, caused significant property damage. Nearly four thousand people were evacuated from their homes and several communities in Central Israel were destroyed. There are a number of Israeli high-tech companies that are creating products and making advancements in the areas of disaster relief, first responder networks, and life-saving devices.
One such company is Jerusalem-based Skysaver, that has developed and is already selling a family rescue backpack that provides an emergency evacuation solution from high-rise buildings. SkySaver’s is a Controlled Descend Device (CDD) which is attached to the backpack and the harness. SkySaver descends the user at a steady speed of 3 to 5 feet per second (1 to 1.6 meters per second), depending on their weight. For instance, if you carry your child with you, your speed will be a bit faster than your speed descending alone. The average user experiences this speed range very slow and a comfortable and smooth descent. SkySaver is certified in the USA to carry a minimum of 66 lbs and a maximum of 298 lb. which is equivalent to 30 Kg. or 135 Kg.
One can use the SkySaver with a mobile anchor or a fixed anchor. Each SkySaver box contains two fixed anchors ready for installation. Bottom line, if you live in a high-rise building (and that could mean if you are even above the second or third floor) and in event of a fire the internal stairwell was blocked – this would provide a safe and secure (and low cost) way out.
In the recent fires (and in other natural disasters in the US – floods, hurricanes, etc.) people lost many of their possessions – including their hard copy financial records and their computers. In a recent “Tax Tip” the Internal Revenue Service provided some useful suggestions that are really best practices with respect to maintaining crucial personal records (and, of course, attention should be paid to cyber-security, as well).
The IRS Suggests:
Create electronic copies of documents.
Taxpayers should keep documents in a safe place. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Like a safe deposit box – MA] This includes bank statements, tax returns, and insurance policies. This is especially easy now since many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically. If original documents are available only on paper, taxpayers should scan them. They should save them on a DVD or CD, or store them in the cloud.
Document valuables. It’s a good idea to photograph or videotape the contents of any home. This is especially true when it comes to items of value. Documenting these items ahead of time makes it easier to claim insurance and tax benefits if a disaster strikes. [Again, it would be advisable to keep this in a safe deposit box, or somewhere else, offsite – MA].
Masamerica reminds its clients, family, and friends that emergency planning is just another important part of tax planning.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
