The list of problems that could cause you to lose access to your own records is so extensive that it isn’t even worth enumerating. Imagine having to talk to fifteen bureaucrats to prove who you are and painstakingly replace every piece of identification in your household. This is the plot of a horror movie. Avoid it by keeping copies of your important papers with your emergency supplies!

Making sure you have all your important papers can be stressful, so we’ve created this interactive checklist for you! Make sure to have physical copies stored in a fire- and water proof container, along with digital backups. (Be sure that the digital backup is secure!)