FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: AFTER THE FIRE CONSIDERATIONS--REPLACING VALUABLE DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS

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By Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine’s in-house Fire Chief


August 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Below is a checklist of documents that are commonly lost in a fire. Under the type of document is the institution or agency to contact for a replacement. Do not forget to take any medications.


If you are asked to evacuate, please do so immediately… Don’t become part of the existing problem!



Financial Records:


• Bank books
   Your bank, as soon as possible
• Credit cards
   The issuing companies, as soon as possible
• Income tax records
   The Internal Revenue Service Center where you filed or notify your accountant
• Stocks and bonds
   Issuing company or your broker


Identification and Licenses:


• Driver's license
   Local office of the Dept. Motor Vehicles
• Passports
   Local passport office


Legal Documents:


• Birth, death, marriage certificates
   State bureau of records in the state of birth, death or marriage
• Citizenship papers
   The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
• Divorce papers
   Circuit court where decree was issued
• Military discharge papers
   Local office of the Veterans Administration
• Social Security or Medicare cards
   Local Social Security Office
• Wills
   Your lawyer


Property:


• Auto registration title
   Department of Motor Vehicles
• Titles to deeds
   Records department of city or county in which the property is located
• Prepaid burial contracts
   Issuing company


Other Papers:


• Animal registration papers
   Society of registry
• Insurance policies
   Your insurance agent
• Medical records
   Your doctor
• Warranties
   Issuing company
 


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