How to Protect Your Records in Case of Emergency

When putting together an emergency plan should the “Big One” happen, food, water and shelter will usually be the priorities. However, protecting your most important family documents should also be part of that plan.  

In the aftermath of any emergency event some documents will be immediately important, for example insurance policies.  You can keep physical copies, store electronic copies on a USB, DVD, or remotely and there are free apps on your phone where you can record copies and email them to yourself or a relative.  

For birth certificates or licenses and other one-page documents you can take a picture on your phone, although these will not have legal standing, they may make it easier to replace them. 

The best way to protect your documents is at either at home in a grab and go waterproof and fireproof container (easy to buy), or off-site in a safety deposit box at your bank or at the remote home of a friend or relative.   

What Documents Need Protecting?

• Government issued Vital Records - such as birth and marriage certificates, passports, citizenship papers, drivers licenses, and social security documents. You should also keep pet ID’s and records.
• Home and property information, deeds, mortgage information, car titles and appraisal documents for jewelry and other valuables.
• Insurance Policies – you will need policy numbers and contact information for your homeowners, renters, flood, earthquake, auto, life, health etc. policies. Make sure you read your policy well beforehand so that you know what your coverage is.  It is also a good idea to take photographs or do a room by room video to help you make an inventory your possessions.
• Medical information – including prescriptions (drug name and dosage), health insurance numbers, physician name and contact information, powers of attorney and living wills.
• Estate Planning documents, wills, trusts, funeral instructions, and lawyer information.
• Financial records including tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers and financial contact information.

Having this information easily accessible will make getting your needs met after a disaster a lot easier when many providers will be overwhelmed.

For more information on making an emergency plan visit http://getprepared.ca/