How to protect your finances, tax records, and well-being—wherever you are
Living abroad puts you in situations most Americans never face. But even if you’ve recently moved back to the U.S., you’re still navigating uncertainty—and natural disasters are part of that risk. Effective disaster preparedness for expats requires different strategies than domestic emergency planning.
In 2025, extreme weather events, earthquakes, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and volcanic activity are disrupting daily life worldwide, including in the United States. From Hurricane Erick battering Mexico to deadly floods sweeping through Asia and wildfires burning in California, it’s critical to protect your financial and tax records and have a plan in place in case disaster strikes.
Protect your tax and financial records
Because you’re still responsible for them, no matter what happens
Go digital first
Switch to electronic delivery for everything: tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and other financial documents
When disaster strikes, digital records can be accessed even if paper copies are lost
Then back up everything securely
Use encrypted cloud storage (with strong passwords)
Keep offline backups on portable drives you can grab quickly
Share copies with someone you trust in another region or country
Why This Matters
If you ever need to file an insurance claim or provide documents to the IRS—whether you’re abroad or back in the U.S.—having secure, accessible records makes the process smoother and less stressful.
Document your valuables
So you can prove what you had, when it matters most
Use IRS Publication 584 (for individuals) or 584-B (for businesses) to inventory your belongings
Take photos and videos of your home, furniture, electronics, and valuables
Store the evidence in a cloud account or with someone outside your area
Pro Tip
Record a video walkthrough of your space on your phone. Narrate what each item is and when you bought it—it’s faster than writing lists and just as effective for insurance or tax documentation.
Expat Tax Documents Checklist
Stay prepared—before disaster strikes.
Natural disasters can hit anywhere, anytime—whether you’re living overseas or back in the U.S. This simple checklist helps you gather and protect the key tax documents you’ll need in an emergency. Don’t wait until you’re trying to recover from a crisis to track them down.
Know your local risks and make a plan
Disaster risks vary widely by location. Flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and storms are affecting communities around the world—including here in the U.S. Smart disaster preparedness for expats means understanding these local threats and having specific plans to address them.
Register with the U.S. Embassy (if living abroad)
If you’re outside the U.S., enroll in STEP to receive emergency updates and support from the U.S. government.
Stay informed
Follow alerts from ReliefWeb, GDACS, and the U.S. State Department
Set up local emergency alerts in your area
Know how to receive weather warnings—SMS, radio, apps, or sirens
Build your go-bag (72-hour emergency kit) Include:
Medications and first aid
Copies of key documents
Power banks and chargers
Non-perishable food and bottled water
Cash in local currency (and U.S. dollars if relevant)
Emergency contacts
Practice your plan
Know evacuation routes
Test how you’ll stay in contact with loved ones
Make sure every household member knows what to do and where to meet
Review your insurance coverage
So you’re not surprised when you need it most
Make sure your health, renters, property, and travel insurance includes natural disaster coverage for where you live now
Whether you’re living abroad, recently returned to the U.S., or somewhere in between—disaster preparedness for expats is essential for protecting both your immediate safety and long-term financial stability.
By backing up your records, understanding your risks, and putting a plan in place, you’re protecting your safety, your finances, and your ability to stay compliant no matter what happens.
You’ve already learned to navigate life across borders. Staying prepared is just one more way to stay in control—wherever you are.
Expat Tax Documents Checklist
Dreading the last minute scramble of pulling together your tax documents? Despair no more!
Pro Tip
