How to Store Important Financial and Personal Records

Every year, fires, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters typically result in the loss of life, widespread property damage, and broken communities. Catastrophic events such as these often happen with little warning and leave people scrambling to take loved ones and pets to a safer place. Fire, smoke, and water damage often destroy loved possessions and important documents.

From a risk management perspective, it makes sense to have an evacuation plan. It is also essential to keep important financial and personal records organized and accessible. Ask yourself if you could easily locate important records in an emergency. If the answer is "No," organize your personal and financial records in case you are forced to leave your home suddenly.

Here is a helpful list of key documents and items you should keep (and make copies of), as well as tips on how and where to store them.

Personal records

• Birth certificates (yours and all other family members)
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or separation papers
• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Health insurance cards

Financial records

• Deeds to your home and/or other property
• Mortgage and loan agreements
• Wills, any trust agreements, and other estate planning documents, such as power of attorney
• Bank account information
• Documents related to pensions or other retirement plans
• Records of taxable stock and other investments
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Life, homeowners, and auto insurance policies
• Credit card information
• Copies of tax returns

You should also have a list with the names, addresses, and contact information of your insurance agent, financial professional, attorney, physician, and bank officers, and include it with your records. Inventorying jewelry, collectibles, furniture, appliances, and other valuable items can assist with insurance claims.

Where to store important information

Keep all your important records together in an accessible fireproof box you can take with you if you must evacuate your home. It's smart to also keep copies in a safe place away from your home.

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