|
|
|
Paperwork Pointers
Vital documents like a marriage license or birth certificate are often overlooked in family emergency plans. Keeping them safe can make life after a disaster considerably less complicated. Here are a few tips on managing your critical documents:
- Medical Records are an important resource to keep in your disaster supply kit. Make copies of each family member's records for your kit and then store the originals in a secure place. If you have a living will or do not rescitate order, keep copies of those with your records as well. Remember to include veterinary records for any pets also.
- Documents from the Courts like marriage licenses, deeds to property, birth or death certificates, or other such records should be kept in a safe or deposit box. Make copies for your use at home and for your disaster supply kit, but keep the originals in a safe or off-site. These records can be time consuming and costly to replace.
- Insurance Policies for your home and your family members should be kept off-site or in a weather and fireproof safe. Make copies for yourself and your disaster supply kit. Most home owner's insurance companies recommend you take photos of your home and posessions and keep them with the policy or filed with your agent. Photos not only provide proof of the value of your belongs but will speed the claims process.
- Power of Attorney Documents, wills or any other special instructions for managing your affairs should be stored in a safe or deposit box, preferrably off-site. Make copies and keep them with your disaster supply kit. Be sure to provide copies to any other involved parties. Click here for Wisconsin forms.
- Financial Records are often stored on a computer. Back-up critical data on a CD or jump drive and keep it in a safe or deposit box, preferrably off-site. You may want to print off copies of some of the data and keep it in your disaster supply kit.
- Family Memories are impossible to replace. Scan family photos, documents, and other special items into your computer so they can be reprinted if destroyed. Keep the photos on a jump drive in a safe or deposit box. Don't assume your computer will survive.
|
|
|
|
|
