We accumulate vital documents over time. As a result, they are often scattered around our homes. Having your most important information organized and close at hand gives you peace of mind, especially during turbulent times.
An In Case of Emergency, or ICE, file contains key documents that are easily accessible to you or someone acting on your behalf. If you need to leave your house or apartment quickly, it is beneficial to have your most important documents all in one place so that you can easily access them as you leave your home.
At the least, include the following items in your ICE file:
- Legal documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and the titles for your home and car
- Vital records, such as birth certificates, adoption documents, marriage certificates, Social Security cards, and military records
- Copies of passports, credit cards, and driver’s licenses
After you have gathered your essential documents, you need to put them in a safe place. Keeping these important papers in one location will save you a lot of time and makes it easier for someone who might help you in the event of an emergency. You can find fire-safe, flood-proof boxes at most hardware stores. They come in a variety of sizes and are not expensive. As an alternative, you could keep your ICE file at your bank in a safety deposit box. Keep in mind that banks are not always open. Having your ICE File at home may be a safer option. No matter where you locate your ICE File, make sure to tell another person where it is and how they can access it.
