I guess sometimes we just want it to be their fault. Because if it is, it's less likely to happen to us. Wouldn't it be scary if someone who did everything right could still end up in this kind of trouble?

And I think you're right... they've learned their lesson. May not last longer than a generation, but these particular people are definitely NOT having fun. Big time negative reinforcement going on right now. There have to be a large percentage of them thinking "If only I'd...". This particular group will be better prepared for the next one.

I've said it before... the problem is not that hurricanes hit populated areas. The problem is that hurricanes don't hit populated areas more often.

Is it possbile to laminate the SS card, driver license cards and other Id to make it waterproof, or weather proof. These bare cards can easliy damaged or rub off.

Why ???
I carry in my wallet my ID card, driver's licence, SS card, credit card aso, on a daily basis. Those cards are useful if I have them with me, not in safe box at home ... ? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Identity theft.

If you have a couple pieces of information (Name, address, Social Security Number) you can become anyone. I just opened an account with a new bank. By mail. In addition to the application, I needed to provide a photocopy of my SS card.

Never, ever carry it with you. In the U.S. at least, you rarely (if ever) need the original on you. And anyone who's gone through college or the military probably have their SSN memorized by now anyway. :-)

I wouldn't get your hopes up too much on that one.

I quite agree. And further, I believe that it's not simply "those people" who will not profit from their experiences and be better prepared, I believe that very few will plan, prepare, and behave differently. Some of it is social, some of it is modern times, and all of it is human nature.

I believe that I am realist, not a pessimist.

Tom

I always have my driver's license on me - even when hiking in the backcountry - as well as a homemade identity card (contact info for family, allergies. medications, etc.) A Social Security Card? I think I remember a white-with-blue-ink paper card I was issued (at my bank) when I was in my early teens. Haven't seen that card since (and that's been, ahem, many many decades ago). I've never needed a SS card in my life. Only the ability to remember the number that was printed on it all those years ago. I've bought houses, cars, gotten myself employed, etc. When do people actually need a physical SS card?

I had to supply my SS card and birth certificate when I switched to an OH drivers license.
I started carrying two wallets a couple years ago, one a normal wallet in my back left pocket and another a key wallet in my front right pocket. I have a credit card and cash in each so if one were to get stolen/lost then I still have the other. The back pocket one has a spare truck, car and house key and the front one has the normal use set of keys as well as some keys for tool and gear boxes in my garage. I always try to carry two of either gear so the two wallets with two money stashes follows this rule.

Unless its when dealing directly with SS & maybe not even then. I think I may have used it for a 2nd ID when I got my driver's license. Everywhere else a photo ID & remebering the number.

Absolutely for anyone that didn't start recently AND have a pro-active administration. Colleges have only recently started using non-SS ID numbers. I can quote you the nine digits for it quicker than my phone number.