Papers to protect
- IDs, passports, birth and marriage certificates
- Social Security cards (keep copies, store originals securely)
- Insurance policies with agent phone numbers
- Deeds, leases and vehicle titles
- Medical records, medication lists and allergies
- Pet vaccination records
- A list of important accounts and contacts
How to keep them safe
- Originals in a fireproof, waterproof box or bag at home.
- Copies in your go-bag, in a waterproof pouch.
- Encrypted digital copies in secure cloud storage.
- Walk through your home with a video camera for an insurance inventory. Do it once a year.
Cash & an emergency fund
- Keep some cash in small bills at home and in your go-bag. ATMs and card readers fail when power is out.
- Build an emergency fund, even if you start with $5 a week.
- Check that your insurance covers what you think it does. Most home and renter policies don't cover flooding.
Documents checklist
Grab-and-go papers
Documents & money
0 of 8 done
Document gear
Waterproof document pouch
Keeps IDs and papers dry in an evacuation.
My pick: ENGPOW Waterproof & Fireproof Document Bag, Two Pockets
Sturdy backpack
A comfortable go-bag you'll actually carry.
My pick: Osprey Kestrel 38L Hiking Backpack
Emergency whistle
Signals for help without wearing you out.
My pick: Fox 40 Classic CMG Pealess Whistle with Lanyard
Affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.