As everyone knows, life can turn on a dime and you may find yourself in an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or medical crisis. While hopefully such an event never occurs, taking a few preparedness steps will help you navigate any crisis that may arise.
For example, having the right documentation on hand can make all the difference in protecting your loved ones and property, and gaining access to important services. According to HomeTalk Editor Amy Poulton at the Simplify blog, here are five essential documents that you’ll want to have at the ready in case of an emergency:
Identification documents. Step one is making sure you can prove the identity of everyone in your household. Having the proper identification will be essential to accessing necessary services and gaining access to shelters. Important identification documents include:
- Passport or driver’s license, which serve as proof of citizenship should you need to evacuate
- Social security card, which may be necessary for financial assistance
- Birth certificates, which will be helpful for insurance claims or in case of family separation
Keep these documents in a water- and fire-proof location so that you can easily grab them should the need arise, and also store them digitally in a cloud location.
Insurance information and emergency contacts. From health insurance to property insurance, these documents are critical in a variety of emergency situations. Likewise, having a list of trusted family members and friends with their phone numbers, email and physical addresses will help you connect in the event of an emergency that interrupts cell service. Have the following documentation available in both physical and digital formats: health insurance cards; homeowners or renter’s insurance policies; car insurance documents; life insurance policies; emergency contacts.
Medical and health records. From immunizations to medications, having detailed information on health-related issues is important for ensuring proper care in the event of an emergency. Store the following information in a secure physical and digital space: medical records, including past illnesses surgeries and ongoing treatments; a list of prescription medications and dosage instructions; immunization records, especially important for children; advance directives and power of attorney, legal documents that outline your wishes regarding medical care and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf.
Financial documents. In the event of an emergency, having your financial information on hand could become critical to accessing funds. Be prepared by having the following details outlined and accessible: credit and debit card account numbers and contact information for reporting lost or stolen cards, or to access funds; tax returns should you need to verify income; retirement account details, such as IRAs, 401(k)s and pension plans.
Legal documents. Having your essential legal documents available will help ensure that your rights are protected and assist in resolving any disputes that may arise in an emergency. Make sure the following documents are gathered and stored in a safe, accessible place: wills and trusts, to ensure your wishes are carried out; property deeds and rental agreements; marriage certificates and divorce papers; power of attorney paperwork, should you be unable to make decisions.
Hopefully, an emergency situation will never occur, but having the above information organized and accessible is a smart practice that will give you peace of mind no matter what lies ahead.
