SAFEGUARDCRITICALDOCUMENTS ANDVALUABLES - PDF document

1 SAFEGUARDCRITICALDOCUMENTS ANDVALUABLES
SAFEGUARDCRITICALDOCUMENTS ANDVALUABLES When disaster strikes, your immediate concern will be your safety and the safety of those you care about. Once the immediate danger passes, however, having your nancial and medical records and important contact information will be crucial to help you start the recovery process quickly. Taking time now to safeguard these critical documents will give you peace of mind, ensure you have access to essential medical and prescription information, and help you avoid additional stress during the difcult days following a disaster. HOUSEHOLDIDENTIFICATIONThink 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 certicate, adoption, child custody papers) Passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service identication, otherPet ownership papers, identication tags FEMA P-1096/July 201 2 FINANCIALAND LEGALDOCUMENTATION If your home or income is impacted by a disaster, you will need documentation to request assistance from insurance providers and from government disaster assistance programs. Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deedVehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, titleOther Financial Obligations: utility

2 bills, credit cards, student loans, alim
bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym membershipsFinancial Accounts: checking, savings, debit cards, retirement, investment Insurance Policies: homeowners, renters, auto, life, ood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable itemsSources of Income: pay stubs, government benets, alimony, child supportTax Statements: Federal/state income tax returns, property tax, vehicle taxEstate Planning: will, trust, power of attorneyMEDICALINFORMATIONHealth/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benetsList of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, dical equipment and devices, pharmacy informationLiving will, medical power of attorneyCaregiver agency contract or service agreementDisabilities documentationContact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, ediatricians, veterinariansEMERGENCYOR HOTLINECONTACT INFORMATIONFOR HOUSEHOLDEmployers/supervisorsSchoolsHouses of worshipSocial service providersHomeowners AssociationsHome Repair Services: utilities, plumber, roofer, carpenter, electrician VALUABLESAND PRICELESSPERSONAL ITEMS Priceless personal mementos, family photos, and keepsakesPossessions with monetary value, including jewelry, art, and collectibles PROTECTR DOCUMENTSAND VALUABLES Once you have gathered your nancial, legal, and contact information, it is essential to safeguard th

3 is information. Considestoring paper co
is information. Considestoring paper copies oimportant documents at home i reproof and waterproobox or safe, in a bansafe depos box, or with trted frienrelative. If y are using a safe deposit box, y mawant task your bank or checstate laws to conr caand cannot accessafdeposboxe lessee dies or is incapacitated. Store electronic copies oimportant documents in a password-protected formaa removablash oexternaharivyoureproof and waterproof box or safe, oconsider usinsecurcloud-baseservice. Visit w.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-019 to learn how to use electronic encryption to protect sensitive information. Thinabout where y store valuablbegingand waybetter protect esitem If y have valuabtemstored ibasement, yomay want to move to a higher location ant em iwaterproof containers to oid water damage. Or you may want to keep small items in a ood/reproof hosafe. You may so want to securetemthaardisplayeon shelves allsyour home may be subject to high winds or earthquakes.Thanyofodoing your part to prepareSpread word anencourage oers tomovement at w.ady.gov/prepare FEMA P-1096 Assemble or UpdateSupplies Get Involved inYour Community Sign up for Alertsand Warnings Plan withNeighbors Make a Plan Make Your HomeSafer Document andInsure PropertySafeguardDocuments Know EvacuationRoutes Practice Emergency Drills EXIT Save for aRainy Day Test FamilyCommunicationPlan 12AYSARE