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Build A Kit - Storing Important Documents

Disaster Supply Kit  |  First Aid Kit  |  Additional Supplies  |  Storing Important Documents  |  Evacuation Box Contents  |  Safe Deposit Box

Storing Important Documents
The following information provided courtesy of the
Oregon Society of CPAs

You may not be able to do everything suggested below - and that's OK. Do what you can. Taking even limited action now will go a long way toward preparing you financially before a disaster strikes.

Having Emergency Cash and Where to Keep It

After a disaster, you may need cash for the first few days, or even several weeks. A disaster can shut down local ATMs and banks. Consider the following:

1. Prepare an evacuation box. Buy a lockable, durable box to grab in the event of an emergency. You don't have to wait until you have a special box - even a cardboard box will do to get started. Put important documents in sealed, waterproof plastic bags. Store the box in your home where you can get to it easily. Keep this box with you if you are away from home for an extended period, but don't leave it in an unattended car (See Evacuation Box Contents, page 7).

2. Keep a small amount of cash and/or traveler's checks at home in a place where you can get to it quickly, such as in your evacuation box. Money should be in small denominations including a couple of rolls of quarters.

3. Set aside money in an emergency fund. This can be difficult to do on a tight budget, but can be well worth the effort. The fund can be very helpful, not only in a disaster, but in other financial crises as well.

4. Keep your emergency funds in a safe, easily accessible account, such as a passbook savings or money market account.

5. Try to keep your credit cards paid off. You may have to draw on them to tie you over.