November 2023 – Important Documents (Part II)

 

Last month we started collecting emergency information into one safe place. This month we’ll gather the rest of our vital information so we can get our lives back to normal faster after an emergency.

Week #1—Collect Identity Documents

Make two copies of the following documents. Keep them in the primary and backup locations selected last month.

·       Driver licenses (both sides)

·       Social Security cards

·       Birth certificates

·       Marriage certificate

·       Passports (picture page)

·       Current picture of each family member

Week #2—Collect Medical Information

Make two copies of the following information. Keep them in the primary and backup locations selected last month.

·       Health insurance and prescription cards (both sides)

·       Prescriptions (drug names and dosages)

·       Doctor, pediatrician, and pharmacy (name and phone)

·       Allergies for each family member

Week #3—Collect Financial Information

Make two copies of the following information. Keep them in the primary and backup locations selected last month.

·       Credit/debit cards (both sides)

·       Checking/savings account numbers

·       IRA, 401K, and investment account numbers

·       Tax returns (last 3 years)

Week #4—Collect Legal Documents

Make two copies of the following documents. Keep them in the primary and backup locations selected last month.

·       Car titles

·       Mortgage and loan documents

·       Wills, trusts, power of attorney

·       Health Care Directive

 

Extra Credit—Succession Plan

Compile a list of computer User IDs and Passwords so that if you are lost, unconscious, or deceased your family can access your smart phone, computer, email, social media, and other accounts. This is especially important if you receive bills and notices electronically.

Important Documents- Part 1

 

Week #1—Decide Where to Keep Emergency Info

You probably keep important information in several places. This can be a problem if your home is destroyed by fire or earthquake. Decide to keep all your information together in one safe, easily accessible place.

The best place to keep emergency information is on your smart phone. If the disaster happens while you are away from home, you’ll probably have your phone with you. Use a strong, secure password to protect your personal information.

If you don’t have a smart phone, you can keep it in your car (probably with you during the emergency, but not secure), or fire safe (secure, but not quickly accessible).

Week #2—Decide How to Backup Emergency Info

If your smart phone is stolen or breaks, you’ll need a backup of your information. Copy it to the Internet or another electronic device. Some websites can automatically copy files to all of your devices, but don’t assume this works. Simulate accessing your information while the Internet is down by putting your device in “Airplane Mode”.

If you don’t have a smart phone, make copies of important documents and keep them at work or a relative’s house.

Week #3—Collect Contact Information

Collect the phone numbers and email addresses of your out-of-state contact, family members, friends, work, schools, and childcare. Make a backup copy.

Week #4—Collect Insurance Information

Collect contact information for your home, auto, and life insurance policies. Include policy numbers and claim phone numbers. Make a backup copy.

To provide proof of loss, take photos or videos of your valuables and all the rooms of your house.

Extra Credit—Insurance Coverage Review

Review your insurance coverage with your agent. Because they are not covered by basic policies, consider adding earthquake and flood insurance. For a 4 minute video, click here.