Document Go-Bag: Essential Papers for Emergency Evacuation

Write down every document you need to replace if lost: passport, state ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, insurance policies (health, auto, home), property deed/lease, medical records, prescriptions, bank statements, credit card information, and emergency contacts. Include documents proving ownership (vehicle titles, business licenses).

Photocopy or scan originals. Get certified copies from issuing agencies for legal documents (passport, deed, medical records). Certification proves authenticity during replacement. Store certified copies in waterproof container, keep originals in safe at home or safe deposit box.

Copies must be legible. Request new official copies from agencies now—don't wait for disaster.

Use ziplock bags inside waterproof box, dry bag, or sealed plastic container. Store in portable size (fits backpack or car). Place in accessible location: car glove box, hall closet, or bedroom. Test seal by submerging in water. Label container clearly.

Photograph or scan all documents to encrypted cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or USB drive. Write usernames and passwords on paper in separate envelope. Test access from phone without internet. Keep USB backup in home safe or separate location.

Cloud access requires internet. Always maintain physical backup. USB drives fail—test yearly.

Store $200-$500 in small bills in waterproof envelope. List credit card numbers, expiration dates, and issuer phone numbers (do not store PINs). Include bank account numbers and online banking login hints. ATMs and card readers fail in power outages.

Write down how to replace each document: contact vital records office for birth certificates, DMV for IDs, passport agency for passport. Include phone numbers and websites. Know that police report or sworn affidavit replaces lost documents in disaster. Insurance companies maintain records even if policies burn.