In an emergency, losing important documents would complicate a stressful situation. It doesn’t even have to be a natural disaster: in a sudden emergency such as a fire, evacuation, medical emergency, or financial emergency, having all your critical information in one place can help you act more efficiently and thoroughly. A great way to prepare for an unforeseen crisis is to create an emergency document binder containing the essential documents you and your family might need in an emergency.

Let’s look at what it is and how to organize one efficiently.

What is an Emergency Document Binder?

An emergency document binder is a collection of all your important personal, financial, and medical documents stored in an easily accessible location. The binder should include copies of essential documents that can help you get assistance or rebuild your life in case of disaster or emergencies. This may include personal identification, insurance policies, medical records, financial statements, etc. Many people store documents in a filing cabinet or their home office, but it usually takes time to get them all together. In an emergency, you’ll need to be able to grab your documents when you have just minutes to spare. Or, in the event of a sudden illness, you’ll need to be able to direct your family to where you keep your financial, medical, or legal information.

When Do You Need an Emergency Document Binder?

1. Disaster Preparedness

You may need to evacuate your home quickly during natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires. If you need to leave the house quickly, you may only have minutes to gather what’s important. An emergency binder lets you have your crucial documents ready so you won’t lose time searching for paperwork.

2. Financial Security

I was recently in a situation where I thought I would be getting laid off from my job. First, I looked at financial records to see how long I could manage my bills without a paycheck. In the event you lose your job, having your financial records organized can make managing your situation far easier. Another situation is having to file an insurance claim after a flood. It would be a lot more convenient to have insurance and bank information at your fingertips than having to search for them.

3. Health and Medical Emergencies

No one can foresee having accidents or medical emergencies. If you end up in a hospital, having a binder that contains your medical records, health insurance information, and emergency contacts will help you deal with healthcare providers and claims.