Keep These Financial Records in Your 'Go Bag'

Lisa Rowan

But even if you don’t live in a hurricane-prone area like I do, there’s no excuse for not having an emergency kit ready for the worst-case scenario, whether it be a wildfire or a flood or an earthquake.

Beyond evacuation essentials like clothing, toothpaste and a flashlight, you’ll also want to have a substantial amount of financial information on hand.  This information can help you make payments, access assistance, and otherwise go about daily life during or after an emergency. Since cell phone or internet service may not be available, it’s important not to rely on just having your username and password memorized to access various financial services.

Plus, you’ll need a lot of that financial information to help you rebuild: For instance, you may need to show proof of income if you apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief assistance. And the last thing you want to be doing as you’re trying to rush your family out of your house is trying to dig up your last pay stub.

The following are the financial documents you should pack copies of in your evacuation bag.

Identification

Driver’s license and/or passport

Social security card

Birth certificate

 Contact numbers for family, friends or neighbors

School registration forms

Family

Alimony payment agreement

Child support payment agreement and payment receipts

Elder care payment records

Will or trust

Power of attorney

Home

The deed to your house or your rental lease

Home or renter’s insurance policy

Other home loans, like a home equity line of credit

Photos of your property, including photos of valuable items that have separate insurance coverage

Flood insurance policy

Property tax statement

Car

Title or loan records

Registration

Insurance policy  Banking, Investing And Credit Cards

Account numbers, routing numbers, verification codes and institution contact information

Account information for stocks, bonds or mutual funds

Retirement account records

Other Financial Records

Most recent tax return

Employment record (an offer letter or pay stubs) and contact information for workplace

Government benefits documentation (Social Security, TANF, veterans benefits)

Utility account information

Student loan agreements

Cash

Along with your documents, you’ll want to have cash available for expenses if payment systems are unavailable or the power is out. How much should you have handy?

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