How to Replace Those Important Documents

So many people to the east of us have lost everything to the terrible flood waters that have come because of all the rain we've had for the past several weeks. According to the reports we've had here at 92.9 The Lake, about 6,000 homes have been rendered uninhabitable, and the owners of those homes have pretty much lost everything.

Most of the stuff we lose during disasters are readily replaceable. At least with items like furniture and appliances, one can go out and, with your insurance check, buy new furniture or appliances, but when it comes to those valuable documents, replacement becomes a huge hassle.

Granted, our part of the state was, for the most part, spared the brunt of the flooding, but as close by as Lake Arthur, we have another story.

It's hurricane season and, while we hope it's a quiet season, anything is possible. Even if you didn't have flood damage, you might want to keep this list handy so you can replace all those lost documents with as little hassle as possible.

According to FEMA, here are the numbers you need to know:

SNAP Cards:
(Food Stamps): Phone: 1-888-524-3578
Website: www.dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

Green Cards:
Phone: 800-375-5283
Website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/replace-green-card

Birth and Death Certificates:
Phone: 225-342-9500
Website: http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/635

Louisiana Driver’s Licenses:
Phone: 888-214-5367
Website: http://omv.dps.state.la.us/

Bank Checks, ATM/Debit Cards or Safe Deposit Boxes:
Phone: 877-275-3342
Website: https://www.fdic.gov/

Credit Reports: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion
Phone: 877-322-8228
Website: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

Social Security Cards:
Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

Fraud Alerts or a Credit Freeze:
Website: http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/security_freeze_louisiana.html

Other support:

Identity Theft Resource Center:
Phone: 888-400-5530
Website: http://www.idtheftcenter.org/
Email: info@fightidentitytheft.com.

Medicare Cards:
Phone: 800-772-1213
https://faq.ssa.gov/ics/support/kbanswer.asp?deptID=34019&task=knowledge&questionID=3708

Passports:
Phone: 877-487-2778
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/lost-stolen.html

Tax Returns:
Phone: 800-829-1040
Website: https://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Form-4506T

Military Records:
Phone: 866-272-6272
Website: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Insurance Documents:
Phone: Check with your insurance agent.
Website: http://insurance.lawyers.com/natural-disasters/replacing-personal-documents-lost-in-a-disaster.html

Real Estate and Property Records (Mortgage Documents, Deeds, etc.):
Phone: Contact your agent.
http://insurance.lawyers.com/natural-disasters/replacing-personal-documents-lost-in-a-disaster.html

Medical and Prescription Records:
Call your doctor; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.

Proof of Address/Residency:
Contact your local utility company to obtain a recent bill.

It’s always good to be prepared in case of a disaster. We hope this helps.

Read More: How To Replace Lost Or Damaged Documents After A Disaster | http://gator995.com/ihow-to-replace-lost-or-damaged-documents-after-a-disaster/?trackback=tsmclip