Protecting Documents

Hurricane Info

Protecting Important Documents

Store originals in a safe-deposit box at a bank.
Choose a bank some distance from your home to reduce the risk of both places suffering the same disaster.
Get a listing of all of your bank’s locations, addresses and phone numbers.
Copy all the documents in the safe-deposit box and place them in an evacuation box (preferably a fire-proof box).
Store your evacuation box some place you can get to easily. Take it with you if you evacuate.
Update documents in both boxes once or twice a year.
Write instructions concerning health and financial decisions for your family in the event you become incapacitated.
If you own a home, consider opening a home equity line of credit so emergency funds will be available.

For Evacuation Box Only

Safe-Deposit Box Or Evacuation Box

Insurance policies (life, auto, homeowners, renters, etc.)
Copies of health insurance information (insurance card, doctor’s name and number, prescriptions, allergies and immunizations)
Photocopy of driver’s license
Birth, Death and Marriage certificates
Social Security card
Passport
Will and living will
Mortgage/property deeds
Adoption papers
Military records
Car titles
Trust documents
Tax return(s)
Written instructions for family members List of emergency contacts, (family, friends, lawyer, financial advisors, etc.)
Personal property inventory (item description, serial number, receipt and photograph or video)

Other Documents To Consider

Home improvement records /receipts
Warranties and receipts for major purchases
Appraisals of jewelry, collectibles, artwork, etc.
Credit card records
Retirement account records
Recent checking, savings and investment account statements
Rental agreement and/or lease
Recent pay stub and employee benefits information
Backup disks of critical computerized information
Negatives of irreplaceable personal photographs (with protective plastic sleeves)

(Source: Tampa Bay Online)