Last year’s hurricane season was one of the most destructive on record. As another hurricane season begins to cycle through, it’s important to prepare yourself, your family and your home. But there is more to preparation than plywood — having your vital information safe and organized is essential too.

Here are a few tips of things to do before the storm hits:

Safeguard Your Financial Records:

While it is best to store originals of important insurance and financial papers in a safe and accessible place, such as a safe deposit box, you also want to keep copies of your critical documents in a safe, organized location. Be prepared financially with the following information:

* Your insurance policy number and contact information - if you have the agent’s information and policy number anyone at that company will be able to assist you in getting you through the claims process.
* A list of your financial institutions and account numbers - this will help you access your finances. This includes all bank accounts, investment accounts and credit cards. Consider getting out some cash in advance too, as many banks and financial institutions are unavailable one to two days following a direct hit.
* A copy of the last two years’ income tax returns - if you have to apply for aid after a disaster, you will need income information for a loan.

Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency:

If you or a family member is injured in the storm, you’ll want to have your information prepared to ensure that you get the best care available.

* Medication lists for each person - if someone in your family is unconscious and can’t tell someone what medication he or she is on, you’ll have it on the list. This saves valuable time and helps avoid problems with drug interactions or allergies.
* Doctor lists - whoever arrives to help will not know every doctor family members use. A contact list saves time in getting records or treatment.
* Medical power of attorney and living will - take the time to decide what course of action you’d like to have in the event of serious injury. Your doctor and the person you authorize your medical power of attorney to should know your wishes and have a copy of the documentation.

Experiencing the trauma of a natural disaster is stressful enough. Anything that can be done in advance to ease that stress should be done. “Ready or Not for the Emergencies of Life” is an organizing system that helps every household create a life map to safely organize and maintain the family’s vital documents. It includes insight into what steps each household should take to prepare for the unexpected, and how to file and catalogue the information in a way that will be the most helpful to your loved ones.

Carla Miller is a professional life coach and organizer and the founder of This Way Up. She is the author of “Ready or Not for the Emergencies of Life” which enables families to organize final documents and create a life map for themselves. She has also served as chaplain at a major trauma hospital in Dallas. More information is available at www.thiswayupcoach.com.

Via Business Wire