Taking steps to safeguard your documents before an emergency strikes can save you a lot of stress and hassle.

One of the most common issues survivors face after a disaster is replacing lost or destroyed documents.

Why is it important to safeguard your documents before an emergency strikes? Legal documents such as rental agreements, ownership documents, financial records, utility bills, and personal identification documents are essential for many federal and state recovery programs. If you don't have these documents readily available, this may cause delays in obtaining assistance. 

What should you do to safeguard your documents? 

• Take copies and keep them in multiple locations that are secure. 
• Save digital copies of your documents. 
• Use fireproof and waterproof storage containers or envelopes. 

Below are other resources you might find helpful: 

• Disaster Documents Checklist by Mid-Missouri Legal Services

• Important Legal Documents for Emergency Preparedness by Just Great Lawyers 

• The Disaster Relief Project at Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. has great disaster preparation resources here. This page includes information on what to do before and after a natural disaster.

• The Center for Arkansas Legal Services has an excellent disaster assistance resource: How to Prepare for and Recover from a Disaster: A Self-Help Toolkit