Whether you're prepping for the zombie apocalypse or simply want to be ready for blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes or any such disasters, don't neglect your personal documents.
They're easy to overlook when stockpiling food, candles, batteries and other more 'glamorous' survival items.
Yet personal identification documents could make all the difference to you and your family in the event your home is destroyed, or in a run for your life scenario, especially if you have to start over again in a different state, or even country.
These include the following:
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Death Certificates
Divorce Certificates
Insurance Policies
Educational and Professional Credentials
Property Deeds/Mortgage Records
Bank and Financial Records
Licenses - e.g., Driving, Gun, etc.
Medical Records
Ideally, you want original state-issued documents, particularly when it comes to birth/marriage certificates, not photocopies.
Keep in mind that these documents may be difficult or impossible to get in the event of major disasters or war. Of course we hope such things never happen, but prudent people don't live on hope.
"The prudent man foresees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it" Proverbs 22:3
Fortunately, at present, you can easily order these documents online. For U.S. documents, try Vitalcheck.
With VitalChek, you can easily order your government-issued vital records online including birth certificates, marriage records, death records and divorce records. They've been around for 25 years and are a reputable government-authorized service by which you can securely obtain certified vital records from official government agencies nationwide. I used their service in the past and recommend it based on my experience. It was very convenient. Also note that they provide CERTIFIED vital records, not merely copies.
If you prefer, you can go through your state instead, although this may be more time consuming. The Vitalchek website has links to all the state agencies, including Puerto Rico, with their addresses and phone numbers.
If you live in the United Kingdom, visit the General Register Office for England and Wales online ordering service.
https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp
The General Register Office holds a central copy of all registrations for England and Wales. Local Register Offices also hold records of events registered in their area.
So, take a look through your personal files and make sure you have certified vital records. You can purchase waterproof, zippered storage bags on Amazon, which I recommend for storing them in. As further backup you should also have them stored on a password protected flashdrive.
Now, in the event that you need to prove your identify post-disaster, or establish yourself and your family in a new life, you're ready.
