Documents & finances

After a disaster, the right papers make insurance claims and assistance much easier.

2-minute read · Reviewed October 2026

Copy and store

Copy property and health insurance, financial records, wills, powers of attorney, and IDs.
Photograph or video your valuables.
Store copies in a fireproof and waterproof box, a zip bag in the freezer, an encrypted flash drive, or a secure cloud service.
FEMA's Emergency Financial First Aid Kit walks you through it.

Keep some cash. Card readers and ATMs don't work when the power is out.

Check your coverage

Standard homeowner policies usually exclude earthquake, flood, and landslide damage. Talk to your agent about what fits your home. (This isn't financial advice.)