Natural disasters are often fast and unpredictable. If you live in an area that is prone to certain types of disasters (i.e. hurricanes or wildfires) or want to be ready in case you have to evacuate your home quickly due to another kind of emergency, it’s a good idea to have your most vital information on hand and easily accessible.

FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends gathering the following documents and items and keeping them, or copies of them, in an easily-accessible place where you can grab them quickly and take them with you when emergency strikes.

• Personal identification (i.e. drivers’ license and/or passport)
• Cash (including some coins). It doesn’t have to be a lot, but enough for you to be able to live on for at least a few days.
• Credit cards
• Extra set of house keys and car keys
• Copies of the following documents:
• Birth certificate
• Marriage license
• Driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Passport
• Wills, living wills
• Deeds or mortgage information for your home. A copy of your most recent mortgage payment statement will have your account and lender information.
• Inventory of household goods. Preferably list and take photos of your biggest or most important possessions (i.e. appliances, electronic equipment, collections, jewelry, furniture, etc.).
• Insurance records
• Health records if you have a medical condition that requires medication, treatment or a doctor’s supervision.
• Immunization records for your children
• Bank account and credit card account numbers and phone numbers
• Account numbers and contact information for any financial investments you have such as stocks and bonds
• Loan information for any outstanding loans you have in addition to your mortgage (i.e. personal loans, car loans, student loans, etc.)
• Emergency contact list with phone numbers of family, close friends, and doctors
• Map of your area with phone numbers and potential places to go

If you have pets, the National Hurricane Survival Initiative recommends that you also have a copy of your pet’s vaccination records; a current photograph; leash and collar with ID.

By taking just a few minutes to assemble these few items and pieces of vital information now, you and your family will be able to leave your home quickly and safely with the peace of mind that you have what you need.