In My Own Words - storage options

In My Own Words :: Video Advance Directive

How Your Video Advance Health Directive Is Presented To You And Medical Personnel

Your video advance health care directive, along with your printed version, will be stored on a USB flash memory drive. To further safeguard this vital data In My Own Words® recommends that an additional backup be stored in a safe location other than where your original documents are located. We can give you information on how you can set up an online storage vault for a backup copy.

The USB flash memory drive can be password protected to keep your vital data secure. But because medical personnel might not be able to access your advanced health care directive in an emergency if it is password protected, we recommend that no password be used. For your security the files are saved in such a way that they can be easily viewed or read but no one can change, rewrite, or tamper with them.

More Information About Your
Storage Devices

USB flash memory drive
USB drive

Also known as a thumb drive, these devices are inexpensive, and have ample storage capacities to handle documents and videos. Extremely portable, flash drives easily read and write data from any computer, Windows or Mac.

CDs

CD-ROM discs have storage capacities to handle both video and written versions of your health directive. Because they can be universally read on just about any computer and are inexpensive, they are an ideal way to save your data in one or more copies. The downside is that they are not as portable as a flash drive. Accordingly, CDs are best used as for backup copies of your information in case the USB flash drive is lost or not available. It is a good idea to let your family, or whoever you've designated as your health care advocate, know where to locate the CD.

Internet storage sites
Many online storage services are available for safe offsite backups of your vital information. While some offer up to 2GB of storage for free, larger amounts of data can be uploaded securely for a monthly or annual fee. You are able to access, add and delete data after logging on with your ID and password. You can even allow access to other people to selected parts of your "storage bin" via email permission, one-time passwords, or providing your password and ID. You can also save other vital documents, photos, and video files in addition to your Advanced Health Care Directive.