If you had to leave home in a hurry, could you put your hands on the documents that prove who you are, what you own, and what you are insured for?
Assembling a grab-and-go file is one of the simplest preparedness steps. According to Ready.gov, it should hold identification and birth certificates, insurance policies, property deeds or leases, a list of medications and medical contacts, bank and account information, and copies of a few irreplaceable photos.
Keep originals in a waterproof, fireproof container, and store a second set in a grab-and-go zippered envelope.
One more step protects the income that many seniors rely on: switching Social Security and other benefits to direct deposit, so a disrupted mailbox never interrupts a payment.
Briefs and quick reads selected and edited by The Smart Reader’s editorial team.