If you don’t have the following documents stored in a waterproof and portable container, then you might not be prepared for an emergency. If you have to leave suddenly in an emergency, you want to take important paperwork with you. It can help immensely. You may have to prove who you are, prove that you are related to other family members and prove that you own your property. Having medical information is also important.
Even if you find that you are away from home when an emergency hits, having the paperwork protected at home can be valuable. It may be possible for you or emergency personnel to go back and retrieve it.
My advice is to make copies of your documents and keep the originals off site, such as in a safe deposit box or with a lawyer or trusted relative. The copies should be stored first in plastic zippered bags and then in a waterproof container. Because these documents contain personal information, you want to be careful about keeping them with you at all times when you are off site with them in an emergency.
Make sure that you include the following documents in your emergency document kit.
- Birth certificates for every member of your family
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificates
- Insurance policies
- A copy of your will
- Copies of any contracts
- Your mortgage information
- The deed to your home
- The title to your car
- Stocks and bonds
- Passports
- Social security cards
- Immunization records
- Prescription information
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers and contact information
- Pet photos and vet records
- An inventory list of valuable items in your home
Your document kit should be stored with your to go emergency kit or be a part of it, so you can quickly grab it if needed. Resolve to put this kit together before the new year. If an emergency should occur, you will be glad that you did.
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