Emergency Financial

First Aid Kit (EFFAK)

Checklists and Forms
Strengthen Your Financial Preparedness
for Disasters and Emergencies

September 2019
FEMA P-2063
The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit is available for free from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). Call (800) 480–2520 and ask for publication number P-2063. It is also available as a free download
online at: www.ready.gov/financialpreparedness and at www.operationhope.org.
Strengthen Your Financial
Preparedness for Emergencies Big
and Small
When it comes to emergencies, Americans face more than just earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. We
also deal with flat tires, broken water heaters, and sudden medical expenses. Both big disasters and
unexpected bills take time, money, and resources away from other priorities. So why aren’t we doing more to
get prepared?
Studies tell us income is often the most important factor in individual and family preparedness. Research
shows that as an individual’s income goes up, they are more likely to take action to prepare. However, we
also know that as a person’s income decreases, they are less likely to set aside money for emergencies. So, it
is clear that a lack of income and savings is a major obstacle to building a rainy-day fund, stockpiling
supplies, or buying insurance.
Since 2004, Operation HOPE and FEMA have been regularly collaborating to build financial preparedness
through the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). We listened to the feedback we received from
families, community leaders, and financial experts to make this document as useful as possible. The EFFAK
can help you start to prepare by offering guidance on organizing and securing important documents. This
new edition of the EFFAK also provides important advice on managing finances, offers insights on dealing
with credit scores, and describes what to expect should a disaster strike your community. All of this will help
families prepare today for both the big incidents and minor emergencies.
As individuals and as a nation, we have to do more to prepare for the disasters and emergencies we face. This
includes learning basic skills that could save someone’s life after an accident, or practicing emergency
communications plans with loved ones. It means talking to co-workers about how to get back to business
quickly and safely after a disaster. But it all starts with each of us knowing how to manage our finances.
Individuals and families must have a financial plan to face emergencies, big and small. Only then can we build
a true culture of preparedness in every home and community across America. We thank you for being a part
of this effort.

Daniel Kaniewski, PhD John Hope Bryant

Deputy Administrator for Resilience CEO and Founder
Federal Emergency Management Agency Operation HOPE, Inc.
EFFAK Checklists and Forms
This section discusses the following four types of key records and contact
information:
 Household Identification
 Financial and Legal Documentation
 Medical Information
 Household Contacts
Each section includes checklists and contact forms to help you collect and
assemble your relevant documents and information.

Each checklist includes the following columns:

 Type of Document: This column provides a list of the specific documents for the category (e.g.,
driver’s license, bank statements, and health insurance cards).
 Have: Check the box in this column if you have either a paper or electronic copy of the listed
document.
 N/A (Not Applicable): Check the box in this column if you do not need this document or if it does not
apply to you, your family, or your household. Remember to review your checklist and update
documents if your household circumstances change.
 Date Added/Updated: Enter the date in this column when you add the paper and/or electronic copy
of a document to your EFFAK. This information will serve as a useful reference point to remind you
when it is time to review or update the document. You can then enter the new date in this column
when you review your EFFAK or make updates.
 Tips and Links: This column provides additional details about certain documents, as well as
suggestions and links on how to contact agencies or organizations to request paper or electronic
copies of your documents.

Consider the following when using the EFFAK checklists:

 When you complete the first two sections—Household Identification and Financial and Legal
Documentation—you will have the information needed to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. For
information on personal disaster preparedness or FEMA disaster assistance, visit: www.ready.gov
and www.disasterassistance.gov. For more information on how to prepare your small business for
disaster, visit: www.sba.gov/emergencypreparedness and www.ready.gov/business.
 You may not require all documents listed in the EFFAK checklists as they may not be relevant to you,
your family, or your household.
 If you identify an important document that you do not currently have, contact the appropriate
company or agency to obtain a copy of the document.

1 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

  If the document is an item that you normally carry with you (e.g., an insurance card or military ID that
you keep in your wallet or purse), make a copy of the item and store that copy with your EFFAK.

Household Identification
Use this section to write down important information about your household. This information can help you
to:
 Prove the identity of all household members after a disaster strikes;
 Maintain or re-establish contact with your family or other members of your household;
 Maintain contact with your employer or the employers of others in your household; and
 Apply for FEMA disaster assistance, if eligible (along with the information contained in the Financial
and Legal Documentation section).

Checklist of Important Documents: Personal and Family Information

Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Driver’s license Photocopy the front and back.

Other photo ID Photocopy the front and back.

Birth certificate(s)/
adoption papers/child
custody documents You can get copies of birth, adoption, death, marriage, and
divorce certificates from your state health or social services
Marriage license administration office for a small fee. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a state-by-state
contact list at: www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/.
Divorce decree

If you need a new card or a replacement card, call your local

Social Security Administration (SSA) office for assistance at
Social Security card(s) (800) 772-1213 and tell the operator where you live. To
locate a nearby office, visit:
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.

Make sure that you have your children’s identification

Child identity cards/
records, including recent photographs, child identity cards
dental records/
with fingerprints, dental records (typically stored by dental
DNA swabs
care providers), or DNA swabs.

Photocopy the first two pages of your passport or front and

back of your Green Card. Having a copy of your passport or
Green Card will make getting a replacement quicker, if
needed. Information about applying for and renewing a
Passport/Green Card passport is available at: www.travel.state.gov/passports,
or you can call the National Passport Information Center at
(877) 487–2778. Information about applying for, renewing,
and replacing a Green Card is available at:
www.uscis.gov/greencard.

Information on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is

available at: www.uscis.gov. Naturalization documents are
Naturalization documents
the only acceptable proof of citizenship for individuals not
born in the United States: www.uscis.gov.

2 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 Checklist of Important Documents: Personal and Family Information
Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
MILITARY/SERVICE INFORMATION
If you are a veteran, keep copies of your DD 214, which is
Current military ID
your military discharge form. You can find copies by
contacting the U.S. National Archives and Records
Military discharge record Administration at (866) 272–6272 or by accessing Veterans’
(DD 214) Records online at: www.archives.gov/veterans.

PETS

Pet ID tags

Proof of pet ownership Ensure that you have a copy of your pet’s ID tag numbers and
(e.g. photos of owners with microchip account information, if your pet has one. Also,
pets, registration papers) include a current photograph of you with your pet.

Pet microchip information

An emotional support letter is a document provided by a

Emotional support letter licensed mental health professional that confirms your need
for the support animal and states that you are under the care
of a licensed doctor or therapist who has prescribed to you
an emotional support animal.

Certification for service There are no legal requirements for individuals to have this
animals documentation. However, keep in mind that in the event of
an emergency, shelters may need paperwork to differentiate
between pets, emotional support animals, and service
animals you have with you.

Household Information
Because every household is different, you will need to customize these forms to meet your needs. For
example, if someone in your household has more than one job, be sure to write down contact information for
someone at each job.
YOUR NAME

Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

RESIDENCE

Address: Apt.:

City: State: ZIP:

Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone:

Email: Other:

3 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX

Address: Apt:

City: State: ZIP:

NAME OF SPOUSE/PARTNER

Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

Cell Phone: Work Place:

Email: Other:

YOUR EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Company/Firm:

Address: Suite:

City: State: ZIP:

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR OTHER WORK CONTACT

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Other:

YOUR SPOUSE/PARTNER’S EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Company/Firm:

Address: Suite:

City: State: ZIP:

4 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

NAME OF YOUR SPOUSE/PARTNER’S SUPERVISOR/WORK CONTACT

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Other:

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

In the following forms, list trusted family members, friends, or neighbors who should be notified if
something happens to you or your spouse.

Contact #1: Relationship:

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

Contact #2: Relationship:

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

5 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

LIST ALL CHILDREN AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE RESIDENCE

Person #1 Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Email: Cell Phone: Date of Birth:

School/Employer: Contact Name/Supervisor:

Contact Phone: Email:

Person #2 Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Email: Cell Phone: Date of Birth:

School/Employer: Contact Name/Supervisor:

Contact Phone: Email:

Person #3 Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Email: Cell Phone: Date of Birth:

School/Employer: Contact Name/Supervisor:

Contact Phone: Email:

Person #4 Last Name: First Name: Middle Name:

Email: Cell Phone: Date of Birth:

School/Employer: Contact Name/Supervisor:

Contact Phone: Email:

6 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

Financial and Legal Documentation
Use this section to record information on your key accounts, including but not limited to:
 Housing payments;
 Other financial obligations (e.g.,
utility bills, credit/debit card
accounts, receipts from child
support payments);
 Financial accounts (e.g., checking,
savings, or retirement accounts);
 Insurance policies;
 Sources of income;
 Tax statements; and
 Estate planning.

This financial information is important because it can help you to:

 Identify your financial records and responsibilities (you may need to show proof of income when you
apply for disaster assistance);
 Re-establish your financial accounts if checks are destroyed or your regular online access methods are
not working or inaccesible;
 Maintain payments and credit;
 Be able to speak to companies and individuals who can help you to start recovery (e.g., contacting
your insurance company to discuss damages and repairs, contacting utilities regarding outages and
solutions); and
 Apply for FEMA disaster assistance, if eligible (along with the material contained in the Household
Identification section).

Important Reminder
In the event of an emergency or disaster, you are still responsible for paying your mortgage regardless of the
condition of your house or whether you can live in it. You are also responsible for paying your credit card
bills. If you do not pay your bills, this can negatively affect your credit at a time when you need credit the
most.
If an emergency or disaster causes you to lose income and you are unable to pay your bills, we recommend
that you call your credit card issuers as soon as possible and explain your situation. Many card issuers will
work with you to create a schedule that works for your personal situation in times of emergency. For more
information on the impact of natural disasters on banking, visit:
www.fdic.gov/news/disaster/consumers.html.

7 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 Checklist of Important Documents: Financial Information
Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
HOUSING PAYMENTS
You may require proof of housing/rental to receive Federal
Lease or rental agreement disaster assistance. If you need a copy of your lease or rental
agreement, ask your property owner for a copy.

You may require proof of home ownership to receive Federal

disaster assistance. If you need a copy of your mortgage or
deed of trust, contact your lending institution. Note: You
Mortgage or real estate
must continue to pay your mortgage even if a disaster
deeds of trust
destroys your home or makes it uninhabitable. Failure to pay
your mortgage could put your loan in default, which could
result in foreclosure.

Second mortgage/private
Include documentation of all mortgages on your home.
mortgage insurance

Include copies of other loans or financial responsibilities tied

Home equity line of credit
to your home.

OTHER PAYMENTS/FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Include statements from all your accounts. These documents will include the name of the financial institution, the
name of the account holder, the account number, and contact phone numbers.
Utility bills (e.g., electric, If you do not have a copy of your lease, having proof of utility
water, gas) payments is very important for showing proof of residence.

Loan payments for

Include a copy of the loan agreement.
vehicles

Credit card #1

Include the account number, routing number, verification

Credit card #2
codes, and phone numbers to report lost or stolen cards.

Credit card #3

Student loan Include a copy of the loan agreement.

Alimony payments Include a copy of the payment agreement.

Include a copy of the payment agreement and any check

Child support payments
stubs or receipts of payments.

Elder care facilities Include a copy of the payment agreement.

Automatic payments (e.g.,

Include a copy of the payment agreement.
gym memberships)

Other

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS/OTHER ASSETS

Bank/credit union/debit Many people do most of their banking and other financial
card/prepaid debit business online. If you bank electronically, download
statements electronic copies of your account statements on a removable

8 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 Checklist of Important Documents: Financial Information
Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
Retirement accounts flash or external hard drive every few months. You can also
(401K, Thrift Savings Plan, print and store hard copies of account statements on a
Individual Retirement regular basis (e.g., every three months). The main goal of this
Account (IRA)) is to keep proof that you have an account, your account
number, and the institution’s contact information.
Investment accounts (e.g.,
stocks, bonds, mutual
funds)

If you do not have your car ownership papers, you should be

Vehicle registration/
able to get a re-issued vehicle title or registration from your
ownership papers
local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Other

INSURANCE POLICIES
Property/homeowners/
renters insurance
(including riders)

Copies of photos of
property and contents
(including photos of any
valuable items that are Call the claims numbers on your insurance policies to verify
separately covered) that the policy numbers are correct. Retain a copy of the
claims call number with your records. Many insurance
policies are not active until 30 days after you sign the
Auto insurance paperwork. Review your policies’ coverage to be sure they
are still enough to support you and your family. For more tips
on how to insure your home, visit:
Life insurance http://www.usa.gov/property-insurance.

Professional appraisals of
personal property

Pet insurance

Floods are the nation’s most common natural disaster. Flood

damage is rarely covered under your homeowners or renters
Flood insurance insurance. To learn more about coverage options, contact
your agent, call the NFIP Help Center at 1-800-427-4661, or
visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Funeral insurance

Other

SOURCES OF INCOME
Recent pay stubs for all
Consider including one or two recent pay stubs for reference.
sources of income

Having proof of your income sources will be important if an

Government benefits (e.g., emergency interrupts your income. To learn more about
Social Security, Temporary government benefits, grants, and financial aid and to obtain
Assistance for Needy any needed documentation, visit: www.benefits.gov. If you
Families, Veterans receive paper checks for any of your Federal benefits,
benefits) consider signing up for automatic benefits through Go Direct
(http://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/GoDirect/).

9 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 Checklist of Important Documents: Financial Information
Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated

Alimony income

Child support income

Rewards accounts (e.g.,

frequent flyer programs,
hotel rewards)

Other

TAX STATEMENTS
You may need tax returns from the previous three years to
Previous year’s tax returns
apply for some new loans. Check whether you are eligible for
(Federal, state, and/or
income-based assistance. Tax experts also recommend
local)
keeping all tax returns and records for seven years.

Property tax statement

Personal property tax (e.g.,

car tax)

ESTATE PLANNING
A will is a legal document that specifies who will receive your
property after your death. A trust holds the property
transferred to it and you can give it to a trusted loved one
before your death. These documents can help reduce family
Will/Trust conflicts, legal time, and financial costs during the stressful
time of losing a loved one. Most financial planners can help
you create a will or trust, or you can contact a local legal aid
office for help. Remember to file a living will and advance
directive with hospitals and primary care doctors.

Giving someone “power of attorney” allows another person

to act on your behalf. This person does not need to be an
Power(s) of attorney attorney to give them power of attorney. You can give
(personal/property) someone complete authority or authority that is limited to
certain acts and/or certain periods of time. This is a legal
document that a lawyer should write and review.

Other

10 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

Financial Account Information
Note: Safeguard your documents by keeping an extra copy in a safe place that you can access if your main
copy is damaged or misplaced.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION (BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS, RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS) #1

Name of Institution: Type of Account:

Last Four Digits of Account Number:

Institution Phone Number: Website:

FINANCIAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION (BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS, RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS) #2

Name of Institution: Type of Account:

Last Four Digits of Account Number:

Institution Phone Number: Website:

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD INFORMATION #1

Card Type (e.g., MasterCard, Visa, American Express):

Issuer of the Card:

Card Cancellation Phone Number: Website:

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD INFORMATION #2

Card Type (e.g., MasterCard, Visa, American Express):

Issuer of the Card:

Card Cancellation Phone Number: Website:

11 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

INSURANCE POLICIES #1

Firm/Institution Name: Name of Policy Holder:

Policy Number: Claims Phone Number:

Type of Policy: Value: Coverage Period:

Website:

INSURANCE POLICIES #2

Firm/Institution Name: Name of Policy Holder:

Policy Number: Claims Phone Number:

Type of Policy: Value: Coverage Period:

Website:

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS (Annual, Quarterly, and Monthly Payments) #1

Payee: Account/Policy Number:

Name of Account Holder:

Payment Amount: Due Dates:

Date of Final Payment (if applicable): Website:

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS (Annual, Quarterly, and Monthly Payments) #2

Payee: Account/Policy Number:

Name of Account Holder:

Payment Amount: Due Dates:

Date of Final Payment (if applicable): Website:

12 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS (Annual, Quarterly, and Monthly Payments) #3

Payee: Account/Policy Number:

Name of Account Holder:

Payment Amount: Due Dates:

Date of Final Payment (if applicable): Website:

13 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

Medical Information
Use this section to store information relating to the health and medical needs of your household.

Checklist of Important Documents: Medical Information

Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
MEDICAL

Physician contact

You may wish to put a copy of your physician’s or specialist’s

Pediatrician contact business card or paperwork from your most recent visit into
your EFFAK.
Medical specialist contact
(e.g., dentist, optometrist)

Copy of health insurance

You can get a copy of your health insurance
ID card(s), including
cards from your insurance provider or the Department of
Veteran Health
Veterans Affairs.
Identification Card(s)

Copy of pharmacy ID
card(s)

Medicare card

Medicaid card

Record of immunizations/
allergies

Caregiver agency contract

or service agreement

List of medications you

take on a regular basis

Copies of current
prescriptions (including
glasses)

List models, serial

numbers, and suppliers for
medical equipment (e.g.,
pacemakers, feeding
pumps, home IV units,
suction machines,
wheelchairs, Braille or
lower vision equipment)

Disabilities documentation

A living will is a legal document that explains the type of care

Living will/power of and degree of medical attention you would want in the event
attorney (medical) of a life-threatening medical condition. You can obtain these
free of charge. Discuss this with your health care provider.

Other

PETS

14 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 Checklist of Important Documents: Medical Information
Date Added/
Type of Document Have N/A Tips and Links
Updated
You may wish to put a copy of your veterinarian’s business
Veterinarian contact
card or paperwork from your most recent visit in your
information
EFFAK.

Pet immunization records

Copies of current pet

prescriptions

15 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

Household Contacts
It is important to have contact information for all your financial advisors, health professionals, and service
providers. Consider putting a copy of their business cards in your EFFAK or adding these contacts to your
cell phone contact list. This information serves as a backup in case your address book or contact lists are lost
or destroyed during an emergency or disaster. These contacts include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Landlord or mortgage representative;
 Doctor, dentist, or other health care providers (e.g.; audiologists, kidney dialysis centers);
 Insurance agent;
 Person in charge of your military benefits;
 Social services representative (for services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
Aid to Family programs, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance);
 Local disability service provider or case manager;
 Assistive technology or durable medical equipment provider;
 Lawyer;
 Financial advisor;
 Banking institution(s);
 Neighborhood, civic, and house of worship contacts.

16 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

POINT OF CONTACT #1:

Contact Type:

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Company/Firm:

Street: Suite:

City: State: ZIP

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Fax:

POINT OF CONTACT #2:

Contact Type:

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Company/Firm:

Street: Suite:

City: State: ZIP

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Fax:

POINT OF CONTACT #3:

Contact Type:

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Company/Firm:

Street: Suite:

City: State: ZIP

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Fax:

17 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

POINT OF CONTACT #4:

Contact Type:

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Company/Firm:

Street: Suite:

City: State: ZIP

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Fax:

POINT OF CONTACT #5:

Contact Type:

Last Name: First Name: Title:

Company/Firm:

Street: Suite:

City: State: ZIP

Work Phone: Email:

Home Phone: Fax:

18 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

 FEMA P-2063

34 - Emergency Financial First Aid Kit