Emergency Document Folder
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Emergency Folder
The documents your family needs — ready before they need them.
Documents checked
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Is your family prepared?
If something happened to you today — a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or an unexpected passing — would your family know where to find the documents they need? Check off what you have. We’ll tell you what’s missing.
30 critical documents
5 categories
2 min to complete
Identity Documents
0/7
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Passports (all family members)
Keep originals in a fireproof safe. Store color copies separately.
Critical✓
Birth certificates (all family members)
Needed for almost every legal process. Get certified copies from your county.
Critical✓
Social Security cards
Keep these safe — never carry them in your wallet.
Critical✓
Marriage certificate
Required for insurance claims, spousal benefits, and estate matters.
Critical✓
Divorce decree (if applicable)
May be required for benefit claims or estate settlements.
Important✓
Naturalization certificate / Green card
If applicable. Very difficult to replace — keep in a fireproof location.
Important✓
Military discharge papers (DD-214)
Required to access VA benefits and certain government services.
If applicable
Financial Documents
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✓
Bank account list (with account numbers)
All checking, savings, and investment accounts. Include bank names and contact info.
Critical✓
Retirement account statements (401k, IRA)
Include account numbers, institution names, and beneficiary designations.
Critical✓
Life insurance policies
Policy numbers, insurer contact info, and beneficiary information.
Critical✓
Recent tax returns (last 3 years)
Required for estate settlement, benefit applications, and financial planning.
Critical✓
Investment account statements
Brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds. Include login information in a secure location.
Important✓
List of monthly bills and subscriptions
So your family can manage or cancel payments immediately.
Important✓
Outstanding debts list (loans, credit cards)
Account numbers, balances, and contact info for each creditor.
Important
Legal Documents
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Will / Last testament
The single most important document for protecting your family. If you don’t have one, make this your priority.
Critical✓
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated.
Critical✓
Healthcare Power of Attorney / Living Will
Specifies your medical wishes and names someone to make healthcare decisions.
Critical✓
Trust documents (if applicable)
Living trust, irrevocable trust, or any other trust agreements.
Important✓
Beneficiary designation forms
For all retirement accounts and life insurance. These override your will.
Important✓
Letter of instruction
A personal letter explaining your wishes, passwords, and guidance — not legally binding but invaluable.
Helpful
Property & Insurance
0/5
✓
Home deed / mortgage documents
Proof of ownership. Keep in a fireproof safe.
Critical✓
Homeowner’s / Renter’s insurance policy
Policy number, insurer contact, and coverage details.
Critical✓
Vehicle titles
Title documents for all owned vehicles.
Important✓
Auto insurance policies
Current policy cards plus full policy documents.
Important✓
Home inventory list with photos
For insurance claims after theft, fire, or natural disaster. Store in the cloud.
Helpful
Medical & Health
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✓
Health insurance cards and policy documents
For all family members. Include member ID numbers and insurer contact info.
Critical✓
Current medications list
Name, dosage, prescribing doctor, and pharmacy for each medication.
Critical✓
Allergies and medical conditions summary
A one-page summary that emergency responders can use immediately.
Important✓
Doctor and specialist contact list
Primary care, specialists, and dentist. Include addresses and phone numbers.
Important✓
Vaccination records
Especially important for travel and school enrollment.
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