Documentation & Finances

Overview

Paperwork is a lifesaving tool in bureaucratic emergencies. Keep redundant copies, protect privacy, and organize for quick departure.

ID

Government IDs, passports, birth certificates; copies stored encrypted in cloud + printed in grab folder.

Medication Lists

Up‑to‑date list with names, doses, schedules, prescribers, pharmacy, allergies, and conditions. Keep in wallet and go‑bag.

Insurance

Home, auto, health; policy numbers, agent contacts; photos of cards; claims steps checklist.

Photos of Valuables

Room‑by‑room photos/videos; serial numbers; receipts; store off‑site; update yearly.

Cash (Small Bills)

$100–$400 in small bills ($1–$20); split across kits/home safe; rotate occasionally.

Cloud + Physical Redundancy

Use encrypted cloud storage with strong passwords + MFA; keep an offline USB copy in a fire‑safe or with a trusted contact.

Grab-and-Go Folders

One clearly labeled folder with copies of IDs, insurance, contacts, medical lists, pet records, deeds/titles; place near exit.

☑️ Checklist — Paper & Money

• IDs and critical documents copied and backed up
• Insurance policies and agent contacts handy
• Photo inventory completed/updated
• Cash small bills staged
• Encrypted cloud + offline backup

Examples

• Pre‑season prep: Update photos; test restore from cloud; rotate cash; refresh contact sheet.
• Evac drill: Grab folder + go‑bags; verify all needed docs present.

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Key Takeaways

• Redundancy + encryption protect your identity and enable faster recovery.
• Keep small cash reserves for no‑power transactions.
• A single grab folder saves minutes under stress.

Scenario

🧭 Scenario (Grab‑folder win): Tree falls on roof; you need a hotel and to start a claim.
🔍 Decisions: Which docs to bring; where copies live; cash for deposits.
✅ Outcome: You grab the folder, pay with small bills while ATMs are down, and file a claim the same day.
🧠 Lessons: Copies + cash accelerate recovery
🏋️ Drill: Do a 10‑minute “grab‑folder audit” tonight.