List of emergency paperwork?

[Gwen in TX]

Looking for a link that will tell me what paperwork I might need in an emergency -- For instance, I have 5 minutes to get out of the house (due to flood, or fire, or hurricane evacuation), what will I need to rebuild my life?

I thought I might copy the important papers (or list numbers - insurance policy numbers, phone numbers to have, etc.) and place them in a location that I can just grab on my way out the door. I thought I might also send a copy to work with dh.

[Just Me]

I don't have the list, although you could try Dave Ramsey's site. I seem to remember something about this on there.

But I recommend having the papers away from home just in case something were to happen when you weren't there. Maybe a safe-deposit box, or trade papers with a good friend? We also invested in a fire-safe for our home. It was about $20, and holds all of our passports, birthcertificates, and other important papers.

HTH! :)

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

I think this link might help you sort out the type of information you are looking for...

http://childparenting.about.com/od/lifeathome/a/familyevacuatio_2.htm

Hope that helps!

[Whisperlily]

When we travel or move (we're military) we always have a file of important paperwork that we hand-carry.

In it, we have birth certificates, social security cards, Power of Attorney (if you have one/DH is often gone, so I have one), will, medical records (although after an emergency, you can get these from the Doctor's office) DH has military paperwork we need, too.

Second, and less important, but maybe more in case of emergency, we have insurance cards/paperwork, and car titles. If you have a loan or mortgage, loan paperwork might be important.

Of course, pictures and mementos are irreplaceable. Even a birth certificate or social security card could be replaced if necessary.

When my parents (small business owners) evac'ed their house due to an approaching wildfire, the kids and I happened to be staying with them. We also grabbed a file with their important business paperwork, and took the CPU for their two main business computers and loaded them in the cars.

The important things in those moments were PEOPLE, photos, irreplaceable mementos, and then official paperwork/documents/information.

Thankfully the wind shifted, and the firemen were able to keep the house intact. It was a lesson for me, though. KNOW where these things are. In an emergency, you don't have much time.

[Adrianne]

It has all ss cards, birth certificates, deeds, titles, vaccination records, and marriage cert.

This way, if I need to exit quickly, I can grab it. Also it has come in handy having that type of info in one place.

I like the idea of having copies somewhere else also.