Preparing For Disaster

You never know when a natural disaster--a hurricane, a flood, a forest fire--might strike and drive you from your home. Before leaving, it pays to take some basic documents and information with you when you go:

* Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or Social Security card.

* Necessary prescriptions.

* Proof of residence, such as a deed or a lease. The police often require proof that you live in an affected area before you will be allowed to return to your home.

* Bank information, including a recent account statement, checkbook, and credit cards.

* If you receive public assistance, documents showing the programs for which you are qualified.

* Proof of employment, such as a recent payroll stub.

* Insurance information, especially insurance for property that might be affected by the disaster.

* Other personal information or things that are difficult or impossible to replace, such as original divorce decrees and child support orders, wills, and the family photograph album.

In a disaster, your personal safety is paramount, but using the foresight to gather just a few important documents can make any forced displacement much easier to bear.

This website is not intended to constitute legal advice or the provision of legal services. By posting and/or maintaining the website and its contents, Lucas Law does not intend to solicit business from clients located in states or jurisdictions outside of Illinois wherein Lucas Law or its individual attorney(s) are not licensed or authorized to practice law.