Preparedness Tip: Documents to Keep In A Household Binder

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In this post we describe the documents we would keep in a household binder for use to fill out an application, in case of emergency, or death.

Use this as a guide to start collecting these pieces of information and adjust accordingly to your specific situation.

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Emergency

• Meeting point information in case of separation

Personal Documents

[Include for each member of the family]

• Birth certificates
• Driver’s license
• Social Security cards
• Adoption paperwork
• Marriage license
• Renounced citizenship or residency
• List of all locations lived
• Global Entry + TSA Pre Check Numbers
• Current resume + employment history (with dates & years worked)
• Schooling information (past & present)
• School transcripts
• Military history
• Safes and storage locations

Internet

• Names of online storage platforms & corresponding log-in details (Apple Storage, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, Google Photos etc.
• Passwords or master passwords

Medical & Health

• Vaccination cards
• Medical conditions & history
• Medical providers
• List of prescriptions, doses and cadence
• Power of Attorney
• Organ donation wishes
• Medical documents

Insurance & Finances

• Credit report
• Wills
• Living trust
• Insurance: home, renter, auto, health, any items that are insured
• Tax returns
• W2s, 1099s etc.
• List of banking and investment providers
• Property taxes
• Retirement plan providers
• Real estate
• Debts owed
• Debts owed to you
• Assets owned
• Estate plans
• Business ownerships & corresponding documents
• Attorney’s contact information

Home & Material Items

• Home title deed
• Mortgage or rental agreement
• Details of home maintenance and construction work; vendors, work done, price and purpose
• Model numbers & warranty information for major appliances
• Household vendors & contact information: electricity, trash, water, internet, cleaner, gardener, landscaper
• Home paint colors
• Location of water and gas main, electricity meters
• Inventory and serial numbers of high value items
• Gardening schedule

People

• Contact information for family and friends
• Family activity schedule with coach/group leader names & contact
• Group memberships

Animals

• Contact information for animal kennel
• Pet information
  • List of animals
  • Health conditions
  • Feeding schedule & description of food