Important Documents and Cash
Last verified: September 2026
When the power's out, card readers and ATMs may be down, and after a storm you may need proof of who you are and what you own. Here's how to get your documents and cash ready — securely. Call (330) 200-8042.
Documents and Cash, at a Glance
When the power's out, card readers and ATMs may not work, and after a big storm you may need proof of who you are and what you own. This guide covers which papers to copy, how to keep them secure and private, how much cash makes sense, a grab-and-go pouch, digital backups, and being ready for an insurance claim. These documents and this cash are sensitive, so we keep them secure and private every step of the way. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 Which documents should I copy for an outage?
Identification, insurance policies and contacts, your medicine list and key medical information, financial and property papers, and a written contact list. Focus on what you'd struggle to replace or would need after a disaster.
2 How much cash should I keep at home?
A modest amount in small bills — enough to buy fuel, food, or supplies for a few days when card readers and ATMs are down. There's no need to keep a large sum at home, and whatever you keep should be secure and private.
3 How do I keep sensitive documents safe?
Keep copies in a secure, private spot, lock up the most sensitive items, and password-protect any digital copies. Carry only what you truly need and keep the rest secured — guarding these protects you from identity theft.
4 Should I keep digital copies of my documents?
Yes. Scan or photograph them and store them securely on a password-protected device, an encrypted drive, or a reputable cloud account. Digital copies survive a lost or soaked folder, as long as you protect the files well.
5 How do I get ready for an insurance claim?
Keep a copy of your policy and your agent's number in your kit, understand your coverage and deductible, and make a simple home inventory with phone photos or a video. That organization makes filing a claim after storm damage far smoother.
6 How do I avoid scams after a storm?
Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or door-knockers asking for money or personal information, especially if they pressure you. Verify anyone through an official number you look up yourself — scammers count on the post-storm chaos to catch people off guard.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
Gathering and securing your important papers is exactly the kind of thing I help with — copies, a secure digital backup, and a grab-and-go pouch, all kept private and safe. $99 flat for a visit, or often $49 on-screen.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).