I just read a post in a local blog about some recent break-ins and thefts in my neighborhood. It got me to thinking about what you should do to aid the police should something happen like that to you.
Make a list of all the stuff you own that are easy targets for thieves…cameras, iPods, computers, jewelery, etc. List the brand, model and serial numbers. Take digital photos where possible. And for travelers take a photo or scan the first two pages of your passport. Put all that information into an email and send it to yourself. Make a folder in your email section listed as “Serial Numbers” or something similar. That way, if your stuff turns up missing you can access all the needed information from any computer with internet access at any time anywhere.
One More Good Adventure 
That’s such a simple idea – emailing all that information to oneself – but I’d never thought of it.
Slightly different, but related in the sense that it’s such an obvious idea, is having someone who’s willing to accept the responsibility of posting to our blogs if something happens to us.
There’s nothing more disconcerting than having someone who’s been a regular presence just drop off the map. That’s why I’ve always appreciated your leaving a mention when the internet goes out, or you’re going to be offline for a while. It’s just a nice thing to do. 😉
I wish I could claim I thought of the idea myself, but I actually found it a couple of years ago online looking at packing tips. It was simply a hint about your passport. The post was inspired by another local blogger reporting about break-ins here in the area and how someone was lucky enough to recover some of her stolen property. I’d already sent my serial numbers to myself months ago. It’s a brilliant idea, really, but something most people would never think of doing unless they read something like my post.