Most of us have important paperwork scattered in more places than we probably realize. A birth certificate might be tucked in a filing cabinet, insurance information lives online, and financial records are somewhere else entirely.
That isn't usually a problem until you suddenly need those documents and don't have much time to find them. Whether you're dealing with a house fire, natural disaster, medical emergency, extended power outage, or an unexpected evacuation, having your most important information organized ahead of time can make an already stressful situation a little easier to manage.
Here are eight types of documents worth gathering before you actually need them.
Keep copies of driver's licenses, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other important identification documents together. You may need these to verify your identity, replace lost belongings, get assistance, or handle other paperwork after an emergency.
Keep copies of your homeowners or renters insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, and life insurance information somewhere you can access quickly. Include policy numbers and your insurer's contact information so you aren't searching for them while trying to file a claim.
Create a basic medical record for everyone in your household, including medications, dosages, allergies, medical conditions, doctors, and health insurance information. This can be especially helpful if someone needs treatment and can't provide the information themselves.
Keep a secure record of your bank, credit card, mortgage, retirement, and other important financial accounts. You don't necessarily need every monthly statement, but you should have enough information to identify your accounts and contact the appropriate institutions if your cards, computer, or paperwork are inaccessible.
Homeowners should keep copies of deeds, mortgage documents, property records, and other paperwork that establishes ownership. Renters should keep their lease and renters insurance information, since these documents could become important if the home is damaged or you temporarily need to relocate.
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and similar documents shouldn't be buried somewhere nobody else knows about. Keep them protected and make sure at least one trusted person knows where the documents are and how to access them if you're unable to do so yourself.
Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, custody documents, adoption records, and other paperwork establishing family relationships can be difficult to replace quickly. Having copies readily available can be useful when dealing with insurance, benefits, legal matters, or government assistance after an emergency.
If you or someone in your household served in the military, include important service records such as a DD Form 214 with your emergency documents. You may need these records when applying for veterans benefits, proving military service, or handling certain financial and legal matters.