Emergency Planning; The Five Most Important Documents

As more people begin to follow economic advisers, more people are preparing for a near future economic collapse.  Every good plan has a starting point.  Planning is not difficult, just finding a point to start is often the hardest task.  With other issues to consider, such as how much cash will get my family through, to how much set back in groceries will be enough, the first priority, is to get your paper work in order.  To store it safely, and have it ready to transport if you are planning to leave.  Remember, once the economic collapse begins, the first places that will close will be governmental offices, on all levels.  As the economic collapse spreads, power grids and electricity will begin to fail, shutting down computers. 


1.  State issued drivers license or ID; with current picture.  Even if non-drivers should have a picture ID.
 As for those not old enough to drive or get a state issues identification, then keep their school ID's up dated.  Or even consider creating one of your own, using a current picture, a finger print and all information necessary.  Use a notary to officiate the document.  Social Security Cards for all members of your family.  Easily obtained from your local social security office and on-line. These are free and there is no reason for anyone to not have a card.  Birth Certificates  from your home state or territory of birth.  The United States Post Office sells Passports.
2.  Any certification, degrees or programs completed.  This entails anything from skilled labor to unskilled.  These might come in handy if there is a need to barter or trade.  Think about it, a nurse at any level, or a welder could become a valuable member of any community.
3.  Deeds of Real Estate, Titles of Vehicles, and lists of any real or personal property.  Serial numbers, plot numbers, vehicle identification numbers should all be gathered.
4. Documents from any checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, IRA, pension, retirement, interest bearing accounts, burial accounts, or any other financial instruments.
5. Any insurance policies, life insurance, property insurance, health insurance, or unemployment insurance are important documents.  When the government begins to become stable, these will be proof of your losses.

How to store these items is just as important as gathering them.
Whether storing them at home, under your bed or in a fire-proof safety box; store in a dry, clean place, easily to retrieve.  Just remember, that putting plastic covers over some documents, such as Social Security Cards, makes them void.