Be Aware
Secure Vital Documents
When a disaster strikes, having access to important documents can help you start the recovery process quickly. The Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) recommends collecting and safeguarding the items below
Household Identification
Think about the documents you would need to identify yourself and your household members, including children and pets, your relationships or status. These may include:
- Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificate, adoption, child custody papers, passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service identification)
- Pet ownership papers, identification tags
Financial and Legal Documentation
If your home or income is impacted by a disaster, you will need documentation to request assistance from insurance providers and government disaster assistance programs.
- Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deed
- Vehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, title
- Other Financial Obligations: utility bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym memberships
- Financial Accounts: checking, savings, debit cards, retirement, investments
- Insurance Policies: homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, life, flood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable items
- Sources of Income: pay stubs, government benefits, alimony, child support
- Tax Statements: Federal/state income tax returns, property tax, vehicle tax
- Estate Planning: will, trust, power of attorney
Medical Information
- Health/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benefits
- List of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, pharmacy information
- Living will, medical power of attorney
- Caregiver agency contract or service agreement
- Disabilities documentation
- Contact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, pediatricians, veterinarians
Emergency or Hotline Contact Information for Household
- Employers/supervisors
- Schools
- Houses of worship
- Social services providers
- Homeowners associations
- Home repair services: utilities, plumber, roofer, carpenter, electrician
