If a disaster strikes, your immediate concern will be your safety and the safety of those you care most about. Once the immediate danger passes, however, having your financial records and essential information in one central location will be crucial to help you start the recovery process. Take the time now to think about those priceless personal items you would want to protect from damage or take with you if you had to suddenly evacuate your home. Safeguarding critical documents and possessions will give you peace of mind and help you avoid additional stress during the difficult days following a disaster.
The first step is to take an inventory of your household documents, contacts and valuables and place them in a fireproof safe. The checklist below will help you get started.
- Birth & Death Certificates
- Social Security Cards
- Passports
- Copies of Driver’s Licenses or ID Cards
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree, Separation & Prenuptial Agreements
- Child Custody Agreements
- Adoption Papers
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Will
- Trust Agreements
- Power of Attorney
- Health Care Proxy
- Organ Donor Directives
- Medical Information
- Immunization Records
- Health & Medicare Insurance Cards
- Cemetery Deeds & Funeral Arrangements
- Military ID & Service Records
- Military Discharge Papers
- Veteran’s ID Card
- Bank & Account Numbers
- Stock & Bond Certificates
- Extra Checkbooks
- Retirement & Investment Account Information
- Buy & Sell Agreements
- Real Estate Deeds & Surveys
- Mortgage Records
- Rental Contracts
- Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
- Life & Long-Term Care Insurance Policies
- Vehicle Titles
- Vehicle Registrations
- Auto Insurance Policy
- Loan & Lease Agreements
- Copies of Credit Cards (front & back)
- Previous Year’s Tax Return
- Location of Safe Deposit Box & Key
- High School & College Diplomas
- Personal Mementos (photos & keepsakes)
- Valuable Jewelry & Precious Metals
- Family Genealogy Records
- Flash Drives with Backup Files
- Inventory of Personal Property
- Receipts for Valuables
- Computer, Email & Account – logins & passwords
- Contact Information for close friends, relatives, doctors, attorneys and financial advisors
It is important to tell someone that you know and trust where to find your important papers. Be sure to review and update your fireproof safe on a regular basis, especially when significant changes occur in your life.
For more information, contact Melissa Howell, CPA, Principal, Tronconi Segarra & Associates, at mhowell@tsacpa.com or 716.633.1373.
