After a week of “Bush Fire Emergencies”,  packing  “what we could not do without” into cars and trailers at our home in the beautiful Hawkesbury region of Sydney I have learned a few lessons and had the complacency beaten out of me when faced with having to evacuate our home at short notice and needing to take all essential paperwork with us.  

Get Away Folder

Now I have always considered myself to be somewhat prepared for emergencies, mostly because I know I am normally disorganised so if I do not have things pre-prepared then I know I would struggle to find the items needed. So I have a my Get Away concertina folder of essential paper work which includes:

• copies of our drivers licences
• copies of our passports
• car insurance schedule and PDS
• home and contents insurance schedules and PDS
• bank account and credit card details

I considered this to be enough as I knew I could find copies of most other information online or in my work computer.

In reality, I had considered this only from my point of view and not considered what my wife or family would have needed if  I had been injured or worse. Like many couples, we agreed that one of us handles the finance and the other handles everything else that keeps our family going. It was only when actually faced with the reality that I realised how much else I should have  included to make sure my family were not burdened with unnecessary paperwork if things went wrong:

• contact details for our Accountant, Lawyer, Doctors, Vet and Financial Adviser (yes, i do have one too; my business partner as otherwise you always leave your own needs until last).
• copies of our wills 
• copies of Enduring Powers of Attorneys
• copies of our SMSF Binding Death Nominations
• certified copies of my SMSF Trust Deed, Corporate Trustee constitution and Family Trust Deed (most are issued with 3 originals and you should always keep one and not leave everything with your Accountant as things can go wrong in their office too)
• life Insurance schedules
• superannuation statements
• rates notice to show ownership of the property
• Account numbers, user ids and Password details for personal and SMSF bank accounts, share trading facilities, mortgage providers, electricity and medical insurer among other essential sites.
• spare keys for house and car (i am still trying to find the key to the ride-on mower that I removed and put somewhere safe because of looters and I had to ask my wife for a key to the house after 4 years living there!)

Keep the folder updated

We had changed mortgage provider and home insurer in the last 3 months (bet they are sighing with relief!) and had just renewed my sons passport, so make sure to keep your Get Away Folder updated.

Keep a scanned copy

Thankfully we also have another complimentary option and that is to store much of this information on the web to have an additional backup.  Now while this is a way  to store your essential information, DO NOT use this as the only method as technology has a habit of failing you when most needed. There are numerous portable storage devices and online storage options available to you, including Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive to name a few and they area a pretty easy and reasonably secure option for making sure your stuff is available off site from your home. This option is only advisable after you’ve completed the Emergency pack and be absolutely sure to write down where this information can be found and how to access it in case you can’t be there.

Get organised and don’t delay

This past week was a wake up call for me and I am so grateful that none of this information was actually needed this time. However,  I don’t ever want my wife to be put in the frustrating position of searching for paperwork about our finances in the aftermath of an accident or emergency, and I’m pretty sure you don’t either.

I would also urge you to read the following resources; but please feel free to add your own ideas in the comments section below as well.

Emergency survival Kit and Bush Fire Survival Plan.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank the amazing people at Kurrajong Heights RFS and all the NSW and interstate personnel and volunteers that are putting their lives on hold to protect others.

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE AFFECTED BY THE FIRES I AM HAPPY TO HELP THEM FREE OF CHARGE FROM OUR CASTLE HILL OR WINDSOR OFFICES. The FPA also has a free service where victims of the fire can call 1300 626 393 or complete the application form to arrange to speak with a financial planner free of charge and begin to rebuild their lives and financial strength.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

This information has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. This website provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such.