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  • Press Release
    April 19, 2012

    Keeping Your Legal Documents Safe from the Storm

    STATE BAR OF WISCONSIN
    NEWS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 19, 2012

    CONTACT:
    Andrea Gage, J.D.
    State Bar of Wisconsin
    (608) 250-6025
    (608) 630-0432 (cell)
    agage@wisbar.org


     

    Keeping Your Legal Documents Safe from the Storm

    State Bar Issues Tips for Lawyers and Clients to Use in Times of Weather Crisis

    Madison, WI – The State Bar of Wisconsin is participating in an unprecedented statewide tornado drill today by issuing a reminder to attorneys and their clients about the importance of having a plan in place to preserve important legal documents.

    This test of readiness will occur today at 1 p.m., when the National Weather Service will issue a mock Tornado Watch, which will be followed by a mock Tornado Warning at 1:45 p.m. The State Bar encourages both lawyers and the people they serve to examine whether their legal affairs and papers are in order and protected when disaster strikes.

    Whether you are an attorney or an individual who wants to safeguard documents, here are some valuable tips:

    • If a computer is wet, cut the electricity and unplug the computer. Do not plug the computer in until you are 100 percent sure it is dry.
    • Place wet hard copy, paper files in plastic bags and put them in a freezer as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew. Drying paper is a major undertaking and is expensive, but it gets worse if mold and mildew start.

    "The State Bar encourages lawyers to keep their voicemail updated during times of weather crisis, and to forward calls to their cell phones if their offices cannot be occupied. If an office cannot be occupied for an extended period of time, we urge lawyers to set up temporary offices at unaffected firms or public meeting spaces," said State Bar President Jim Brennan. "Working from home and connecting to work and clients with web conferencing tools is also an option."

    According to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Division of Emergency Management, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year.

    Citizens who want to learn more about protecting themselves can visit ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov. Lawyers who need additional assistance can contact the State Bar's Law Office Management Assistance Program at practicehelp@wisbar.org.

    #   #   #

    The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 23,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members to help them maintain their expertise, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out community service initiatives to educate the public about the legal system and the value of lawyers. For more information, visit www.wisbar.org.



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