During the chaos of an emergency evacuation, it’s easy to forget to grab your most important documents. This is why having them organized and accessible ahead of time is critical – and why digital copies can be just as valuable as physical ones.

We’ll highlight four key documents most people forget during an emergency, so you'll be prepared when it matters most. Plus, we’ll explain the advantages of securely storing digital copies, ensuring they’re available whenever and wherever you need them.

'Plan for the Unexpected'

"From my experience handling claims, some of the important documents most people overlook are receipts or records of the renovations and repairs done to the home, a list of the home's inventory, including most recent purchases, and a copy of utility bills," says Alex Adekola, the CEO and founder of ReadyAdjuster in Atlanta.

"All of these documents can help expedite the claims process and increase claim value. This is why I advise people to always plan for the unexpected.”

There are four other key categories of important documents people might not immediately think of during an emergency.

1. Family and Identification Documents

In an emergency, having access to essential identification documents can help you relocate or seek assistance quickly. Thanks to digital storage solutions, you don’t need to carry physical copies of everything with you – most documents can be safely kept in a secure digital vault.

• Birth certificates: You don’t need the original during an emergency. Digital versions can effectively prove identity and citizenship when needed.

• Marriage and/or divorce papers: Digital copies are usually sufficient to establish your marital status or its dissolution. Originals can stay securely stored elsewhere.

• Social Security cards: Digital copies of these cards for each household member are ideal for emergencies. They can expedite the replacement process without risking loss of the originals.

• Passports and driver’s licenses: These are the exceptions. You’ll need the physical originals in many post-emergency scenarios, such as travel or proving identity to authorities. Keep these in your emergency kit, but also store digital copies to simplify recovery if the originals are lost.

With the Trustworthy Family Operating System®, you can organize and store all of your important personal information, and you can grant access to family, friends, and professionals you work with. Your documents will be 100% secure, and you can access them from anywhere. 

2. Financial Documents

Having access to your financial documents during an emergency can make recovery much smoother. Thanks to digital storage, you don’t need to carry physical copies of everything. Most documents can be securely stored online and accessed whenever you need them.

• Tax and income information: There’s no need to pack physical tax returns or pay stubs in your kit. Digital copies of the previous years' tax returns, personal and business property tax statements, and recent pay stubs are sufficient to prove your income if necessary.

• Insurance information: Skip the bulky physical copies. Securely upload your insurance policies – including life, homeowners, auto, and health – to Trustworthy. Having digital versions ensures you can access these vital documents at any time, even if your originals are lost or damaged.

• List of bills and obligations: Instead of keeping paper copies of your bills, store digital versions of your mortgage statements, loan documents, and utility bills. Digital access lets you stay on top of payments, even during a disruption.

“People usually forget about the less obvious but equally important paperwork, such as financial records, trust documents, and even certain business agreements," notes Oliver Morrisey, lawyer and owner of Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers in Sydney, Australia.

"If you're managing someone else’s estate or dealing with shared assets, those documents are just as important to protect. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, ‘If this document were lost, how difficult or time-consuming would it be to replace?’ That should guide your priorities.”

3. Legal Documents

During an emergency evacuation, having access to certain legal documents can help you claim your rights and make critical decisions. While most documents can be securely stored digitally, there are some exceptions where physical copies might be necessary.

• Will: A digital version of your last will and testament can provide clarity and serve as a reference, but the original, signed document is what usually holds legal weight. Keep the original stored securely and ensure a digital copy is uploaded to Trustworthy for easy access.

• Living will: Digital copies of your living will are sufficient for emergencies, as they outline your medical preferences and designate someone to make decisions if you’re incapacitated. Share the digital copy with trusted individuals to ensure they can find it when needed.

• Powers of attorney: Digital copies of power of attorney documents allow others to quickly act on your behalf for financial, legal, or medical matters during an emergency. The original should still be stored safely for official use but doesn’t need to be part of an evacuation kit.

• Property titles and deeds: Digital versions of your property titles and deeds for your home, car, and other assets can often suffice for reference purposes in emergencies. Physical originals may be necessary for certain transactions, so store those securely. If you store physical documents at home, keep them in a fireproof and waterproof safe.

4. Medical Documents

In case of medical emergencies, here are the most important documents you may need access to. Digital versions should be sufficient:

• Medical insurance: Digital copies of health insurance cards and policy numbers are sufficient to access medical services quickly. Consider uploading them to Trustworthy so they’re always at your fingertips.

• Medication information: A comprehensive digital list of prescription medications for each family member, including pets, is essential. Include details like dosage, frequency, and prescribing doctor. Digital storage ensures this information is easily accessible even if your written notes are misplaced.

• Immunization records: Digital versions of immunization records for both children and pets are typically all you need to provide proof of vaccination. Keep them updated and accessible online for quick reference during relocations or emergencies.

• Allergy list: Store a detailed allergy list for each family member digitally. Highlight severe reactions for quick access during emergencies. Sharing this information securely with trusted individuals can also provide added peace of mind.

• Vital medical records: Upload summaries of any serious diagnoses, major procedures, or critical medical conditions to a secure digital vault like Trustworthy. This ensures healthcare providers can quickly understand your medical history without needing physical paperwork.

By keeping these documents organized and readily available digitally, you'll be taking significant steps to safeguard your family's health and well-being in an emergency. Get started with Trustworthy for free – you won't even need a credit card.