Thursday, September 30, 2010

Your “Emergency File”

In the September/October 2010 “AAA Going Places” magazine there was an excellent article by Sandy Klim called, “What happens if the unexpected occurs?”  I recommend that you take the time to read this article because it could make a difference when something does happen.  As the article mentions,“compiling (and copying) all of this information can seem daunting, but imagine the alternative.  Your family would have to piece together all this information (within days) without your in-depth knowledge.  The best bet is to gather this information (and update it annually), store it in a safe place, and continue to enjoy life.  It could be years or even decades before someone needs to access your emergency file, but in the event something does happen, you’ll have made the transition easier for the ones you love.”

As I read the article, I reviewed where my information was and found that everything was were I thought it was, but could someone else easily gain access to all the information when it was needed and I was not there.  I needed to become better organized and then let my wife and our executor know where the original documents are, contact information, etc. 

Will - last will and testament
The basic documents that you should have in your “Emergency File” are:
  • Up to date health insurance policies
  • Advance directives can include:
    • A living will
    • Do not resuscitate (DNR) order
    • Durable power of attorney for health care
  • A current and valid copy of your wills
  • A copy of your organ donor card (if you intend to donate an organ)
  • Copies of the following documents:
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage license
    • Divorce decrees
    • Social Security cards
    • Mortgages and deeds
    • Registration and titles for vehicles owned
  • Family and friends contact list
  • Clear wishes in regards to cremation, burial, religious ceremonies, and other memorial arrangements (headstones, markers, donations in lieu of flowers, etc.)
  • Copies of life insurance policies
  • Copies of 401(k) and IRA account information
  • A listing of financial and investment account information (other than those shown above)
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • CDs
    • Outstanding loans
  • Religious or spiritual affiliation and contact information (if desired).
safety deposit box The article mentions that this file can be stored in a fireproof safe at home, with your attorney, in a safe deposit box, or with a loved one (not living in your home).   I do have a concern of storing some of the information in a safe deposit box or with your attorney because emergencies do not always occur during banking hours.  If you have copies of the information with the original documents stored at one of these two locations, it would help.  The key is letting those close to you know where the files are at and who has permission to access the files.

Of course, those of us living with Kennedy's Disease might also want to include information on Kennedy's Disease, anesthesia information, tissue donation forms (should that be your wish) and a contact list for doctors.

Has the article forgotten anything else that needs to be included in this emergency file?

5 comments:

  1. Bruce:

    It's funny about the timing of your article as I am right in the middle of starting my "emergency file" together as we speak.

    I found I had missed some of the items recommended but at the same time, I didn't see anything being mentioned about electronic files stored or accessed via computer. It'd be a good idea to add a list of names of companies we deal with; this would include links, passwords, account numbers, etc.

    I'm planning on scanning the most important information unto some type of media and storing it in our safe. Just hope I don't get hit with a brain fog wave and forget how to open it.

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  2. Luis, thanks for your thoughts on this. Yes, electronic copies are good and easier to update. Having a list of links, passwords, account numbers, contacts, etc. is also a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It is really good thing to have this kinds of documents, it is very essential to ensure your family's safety and secured.

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