Don't Get Caught Without a Home Emergency Kit

A proper emergency kit is one of the most valuable possessions you and your family can have. If you find yourself in an unfortunate disaster - theft, storms, hazards and even death - you'll be thankful that you had the foresight to combine all of your most important documents and items together in one easy-to-find spot.

A primary component of a disaster kit is an emergency binder. This binder is a grab-and-go collection of all documentation, security information, extra cash or cards and contact information. Your binder should be equipped with dividing tabs, page protectors and a zipper pouch so that everything fits together nicely. This easily accessible organizational tool, which should be kept in a waterproof/fire safe box, is the necessities of you or your family's life. Here are some elements that you might think to include in your binder:

• A family evacuation plan that lets everyone know what they should do and where they should go during an emergency situation.
• Home inventory of appliances, furniture, and other similar goods. You never know when you'll need to make an insurance claim.
• Financial account information like how many debit and credit cards everyone has and what bank they belong to.
• Security passwords for banks, utilities and even your email.
• Insurance documents and the corresponding phone numbers.
• Medical records for every family member. This is especially important when it comes to identifying allergies and current medications.
• Original copies (if possible) of birth certificates, marriage licenses and identification.
• Contacts of family, doctors, emergency personnel and legal help. You might not be able to grab your cell phone in a moment's notice so you should have these written down the old fashioned way.
• Pet ID kit. If Fido or Fluffy is micro-chipped, make sure you have the number ready.

Be sure to keep your binder dense, yet light enough to grab in a rush. Store your emergency binder strategically and consider your home evacuation plan along the way.