Prepare Now: Safeguard Your Documents for Hurricane Season
Prepare Now: Safeguard Your Documents for a Busier-Than-Usual Hurricane Season
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway, and the outlook is heightened—experts predict a notably active season, with a higher-than-average number of storms expected to impact the Gulf Coast. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this year’s forecast includes 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and as many as 5 major hurricanes. With South Texas and the Coastal Bend region—including Corpus Christi and Kingsville—well within the projected impact zone, early preparation is critical.
While securing food, water, and supplies is essential, many people overlook one of the most vital steps in storm readiness: protecting important documents. In the event of a hurricane or evacuation, access to financial, legal, medical, and personal identification records can make all the difference in how quickly you and your family recover.
What to Gather
Start by organizing key records into categories. A combination of printed copies and securely stored digital backups is ideal, especially in the event of power outages or damaged devices.
Personal Identification
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Photo IDs (driver’s licenses, passports)
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Social Security cards
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Birth and marriage certificates
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Military IDs and discharge papers
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Pet IDs and recent photos
These documents help confirm your identity, apply for aid, and reconnect with critical services.
Financial and Legal Records
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Mortgage or lease agreements
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Insurance policies (home, auto, life)
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Wills, powers of attorney, and legal directives
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Vehicle titles and registrations
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Loan documents and retirement/investment account details
These are necessary for filing claims, proving ownership, and managing financial responsibilities during a crisis.
Medical Information
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Health insurance cards
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Prescription lists and dosage instructions
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Disability documentation
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Contact information for doctors and specialists
This information is vital if you or a loved one needs care during or after the storm.
Key Contacts and Household Details
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Landlord or property manager
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Insurance agents
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Attorney and financial advisor
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Emergency contacts and family members
Having this list printed and saved digitally can save time when every second counts.
How to Store It Safely
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Use a lockable, fireproof and waterproof file box to store original documents and spare keys.
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Create digital backups using encrypted USB drives or external hard drives, or password-protected cloud storage.
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Use multi-factor authentication and strong passwords for any account or storage that contains sensitive information.
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Keep an emergency “go kit” with your most important documents in one place so you can grab it quickly in the event of an evacuation.
Don’t Forget About Pets
Your pet’s vaccination records, medications, ID numbers, and recent photos are also important—especially if you're separated or need access to a shelter that requires documentation.
Final Checklist and Resources
Once you’ve gathered your documents, review them for accuracy and completeness. Double-check expiration dates, contact information, and policy details. This simple step can significantly reduce delays and stress in the event of a disaster.
For a printable Disaster Evacuation Checklist to guide you further, visit:
https://www.glo.texas.gov/sites/default/files/resources/cdr/documents/disaster-preparedness/disaster-evacuation-checklist.pdf