Everyone has important documents, from a birth certificate to banking information, that they want to keep safe.These documents are important if there is an emergency or disaster.It is easy to store and protect them.All of your important documents can be kept in a safe place with some planning, organization, and storage tools.
Step 1: A fireproof lockbox is a must have for vital documents.
A home lockbox is the best way to protect your documents.FEMA recommends this for storage.Your documents will be safe in an emergency if you have a fireproof box.If you have to leave, make sure the box is easy to carry.Document carrying cases are usually carried by hardware or office supply stores.You can find them online.Lockboxes may come with a key or combination lock.If you choose, make sure you keep the key in a safe place.Tell your family where to find them.You won't be able to carry a big or heavy safe if you put your documents in a safe.If you have to leave your home, you could lose your documents.A portable lockbox is a better choice.
Step 2: All the documents should be put in plastic bags.
Lockboxes are usually waterproof, but leaks can happen if there is a flood.It is best to add a second layer of protection since water can ruin important documents.Before putting the documents inside the box, they should be put in sealable plastic bags.It is possible to leave the box in a high place, like a shelf or a second floor, as a precautionary measure against flood damage.
Step 3: You can reach the lockbox quickly if you leave it in an accessible place.
You might not want to leave your home in a hurry.If there is a natural disaster, you can't waste time looking for documents.You can grab your lockbox quickly if you leave it in a place that is easy to reach.It will save you time in an emergency.If a thief enters your home, you should hide the box.You should put it in the back of your closet if you know where it is and can get it quickly.If other members of your household have to leave quickly when you aren't there, tell them where the box is as well.
Step 4: It is easy to identify a box if it is labeled.
If you are in a hurry or someone else needs to grab the box, make sure it is easy to identify.You can find and grab the box in an emergency if you put a label on it.
Step 5: You can back up your documents with digital copies.
Digital backups are important because it is possible for physical documents to get damaged or lost.The lockbox has a lot of documents in it.If any of those get damaged or lost, you will have backups.You can take photos on your phone and store them in a PDF.This is a great way to back up your documents.It is possible to cut down on the amount of stuff in your home by digitizing less important documents.This can help you get organized if you are overwhelmed with paperwork.
Step 6: There are at least 2 secure locations where you can keep your digital copies.
A digital backup is a good start, but you need to make sure you protect them.You are less likely to lose your digital files if you keep them in at least 2 locations.Load the files onto a flash drive, leave the drive in your lockbox, and then use a cloud storage account to store them.In an emergency, you have multiple ways to access your documents.Password protect any folders that you store important documents in.Put a password on your computer or flash drive if you want to keep your cloud files private.The lockbox at your bank could be used to store the flash drive or hard drive.You can have digital copies in 2 locations.
Step 7: Personal identification documents can be put in the portable lockbox.
You need to be able to prove your identity in the event of a disaster.You will need to store originals of yourself and your family in the lockbox.Your passport, birth certificate, social security card, and green card are self-identification documents.A copy of your driver's license or state-issued ID is required.You should include your service ID and records if you served in the military.For your family relationships, include your marriage or divorce records, children's birth certificates, adoption or child custody papers, and pet ownership records or tags.
Step 8: You should keep your financial records to prove what you own.
Financial and ownership records are important for reimbursement and insurance after a disaster, so always include these in your lockbox.If there is an accident and you have to leave, you should keep paper records of everything you own and your assets.Your will, bank and retirement account information are included in important ownership records.You should include copies of your insurance plans.Records for recent or ongoing financial obligations should be in the box.Examples include your mortgage documents, loan information, alimony, child support, automatic payment records for cable, gyms, utilities, or subscriptions, and most recent tax returns.You should include your lease or rental agreement if you rent instead of owning it.
Step 9: Don't forget to include your medical records.
In the event of an emergency, you will need your health and medical records.Make sure you have immunization and vaccine records, lists of medications you take, a list of your allergies or health conditions, your health insurance information, medical power of attorney forms, and contact information for your doctors and dentist so you can get in touch with them.All of this information should be included for other members of your household or family as well.If you have any disabilities, make sure to add records that prove this as well as any paperwork for your benefits or compensation.You should include veterinary records if you have a pet.
Step 10: For insurance coverage, take photos of valuable items.
Keeping photos of valuable items in your lockbox can help if something is damaged and you need to file an insurance claim.Take pictures of anything that could be damaged in an accident.Digital copies of the pictures can be uploaded to a flash drive or cloud storage file.You might need coverage for items like your home, car, artwork, collectible items, or expensive electronics.
Step 11: Don't leave any cash in the lockbox.
If there is an electrical outage or you have to leave your home, you might not be able to access your bank account.If you need money during an emergency, leave your emergency cash fund of small bills, no higher than $20 bills.It is important to have emergency cash, but don't leave all your savings in there.Money in a bank account is insured by the FDIC, while money in your lockbox is not.Most of your savings should be left in the bank and you should only have cash for emergencies.
Step 12: It's a good idea to use a lockable file cabinet.
There are plenty of other paperwork that doesn't need to be in your lockbox.A metal file cabinet is the best way to store these documents.If you need to leave your home, you don't have to worry about carrying them with you.Recent bank statements, tax returns more than a year old, school or work papers, utility bills, credit card statements and important receipts are some important but non-critical paperwork.If bills are more than a year old, you can shred them.If you want to keep records withoutcluttering, you could also use a digital camera.