Photographs of every member of your family. If family members are separated, photos will make it easier for rescue agencies and law enforcement authorities to find missing relatives, says Evelyn Zohlen, financial planner at Inspired Financial in Garden Grove, Calif. Include photos of your pets, too.

Military records, such as discharge papers. You will need these to apply for military benefits or gain access to a Veterans Affairs hospital in another city.

Medical documents, including immunization records for your school-age children. You should also pack documents detailing health conditions your children have, such as asthma or allergies. Immunization records are critical because most schools won't accept children without them, Zohlen says. Report cards and test records also may make it easier to place your children in a new school.

Originals of legal documents such as birth certificates and marriage licenses should be stored in a secure place, such as a bank safe-deposit box, Zohlen says. The contents of safe-deposit boxes aren't federally insured, and there's always the risk that the bank will be leveled, too.

Many homeowners videotape the contents of each room in their homes so they can document what they own. But in an evacuation, a videotape may be too cumbersome to pack, says Madelyn Flannagan, vice president of education and research for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

"You want something that's very portable that you can reach and grab," she says. She suggests making a list of items in each room and updating it every six months. Many insurance agents provide kits for this.

If your home is leveled, you'll need proof you own the property to file an insurance claim. You may be able to get copies of mortgage documents from your lender or the county courthouse. But Hurricane Katrina demonstrated the risks of relying on your lender or local government, says Jim Nabors, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Recent monthly statements from your checking account. If your lender's computer system is disrupted, you may need the statements to prove you've made payments on your mortgage.

Paying your bills may be the last thing on your mind when you're fleeing a hurricane. But even if you lose your home, you'll still be expected to pay your mortgage and other debts.

After Katrina, many lenders allowed victims to postpone payments and waived late fees. But to qualify for debt relief, you'll need to contact your lenders and explain your situation.

Instead of cramming your bank and account statements into a folder, include a copy of your credit report in your evacuation kit, Zohlen says. Your credit report will list account numbers, names and addresses for all your lenders.

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