Survival Guide [8/8]: Which Important Papers and Documents Should You Keep?

List of Documents to Keep in Case of Emergency
Before presenting the important documents you should keep safe, let’s first take a closer look at what an emergency situation might involve.

The term "emergency" does not necessarily mean the end of the world. It covers a wide range of situations where immediate action is needed to prevent or respond to damage that could harm health, safety, or the environment. Here are some examples of situations that can be considered emergencies:

• Natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or tropical storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, snowstorms or blizzards, wildfires.
• Medical emergencies: heart attacks, strokes (CVA), severe accidents (trauma, serious injuries), severe allergic reactions, epidemics or pandemics (e.g., COVID-19).
• Human-related emergencies: armed conflicts or wars, terrorist attacks, riots or civil wars, industrial accidents (chemical leaks, explosions), cyberattacks affecting infrastructure.
• Other emergencies: power outages, water or food shortages, major transportation disruptions, financial or economic crises affecting access to essential services.

In each case, preparation and the ability to react quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in managing the situation. This includes knowing emergency procedures, having necessary supplies, and being able to stay calm and organized under pressure.

Important Documents to Keep:

• Identification papers: passport, national ID card, driver’s license. These are essential for personal identification, travel, and access to many services.
• Financial documents: bank information, credit cards, checkbooks, income declarations. In an emergency, access to funds and the ability to make financial transactions is crucial. In a scenario where ATMs are not functioning (e.g., power outage), it’s a good idea to keep some cash in small denominations in your emergency folder for purchases.
• Medical documents: medical records, health insurance card, social security information, prescriptions, information on allergies and specific medical conditions. These documents are vital if emergency medical care is needed.
• Family documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, child custody documents. These papers may be needed to prove family relationships or for legal purposes.