Preparing Documents for an Emergency

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Before a disaster happens it is wise to take steps to keep important documents safe. Ideas for safeguarding documents include:

• Keeping originals in a safe deposit box at the bank. 
• Keeping a copy locked in a fireproof safe in your home.
• Keeping a copy in an emergency binder or thumb drive with your 72 hour kit. Thumb drives should be password protected. Binders or thumb drives should be stored in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water damage.

Ideally you will choose a combination of methods to ensure that documents outlast a disaster. Ideas for important documents that should be protected include:

In addition to safeguarding documents it is a good idea to have a list of important contacts on paper. Keep the list in a plastic bag with your 72 hour kit. Ideas for phone numbers and addresses to include in your contact list include:

• Family members, including in other cities
• Friends and neighbors
• Church leaders
• Ministering brothers and sisters, those you minister to
• Employer
• Schools
• Primary care physician, pediatrician, other doctors
• Dentist
• Pharmacy
• Home Health care
• Medical equipment vendors
• Local hospital
• Veterinarian
• Attorney
• Bank - account numbers for checking, savings, credit cards
• Insurance - number or website to report a claim, policy numbers, basic amounts
• Retirement account
• Local police, fire, AMR, poison control
• Utilities