Protecting Important Documents

After a disaster, paperwork becomes important quickly. A small waterproof pouch can save weeks of hassle.

What to copy

• ID: passports, driver’s licences, birth certificates, permanent resident or citizenship papers
• Insurance policies (home or tenant, car, health, life)
• Deeds, leases, mortgage and vehicle records
• Medical records, health card numbers, medicine list, doctors’ phone numbers
• Bank and credit card contact numbers
• Photos or video of the inside and outside of your home, and your belongings, for claims
• Contact list, in print

How to store them

1. Originals: somewhere safe, away from home if you can. Ready.gov suggests a safety deposit box.
2. Paper copies: in a waterproof pouch in your kit.
3. Digital copies: encrypted or password protected, on a secure cloud account or a USB stick.

Do not leave account passwords in your kit in plain writing.

Money

Keep some cash in small bills, because ATMs and card readers may not work. Canada.ca suggests enough for basic needs for a few weeks. Review your insurance. Ready.gov notes that typical US home policies do not cover flooding. In Canada, check with your insurer whether flood is included.

Keep it up to date

Check once a year, and after any big life change.