What's a 'financial go bag?' Everything you need for your money when disaster strikes

Being prepared is key to surviving a few days if you are outside your home.

However, what about your finances in case of an emergency exit? If you have to leave quickly, you might not be able to gather all your account information, some cash, and other essential items. That's why many financial advisors suggest assembling a "financial emergency kit" along with your batteries, first aid supplies, and water bottles.

We spoke with financial advisers to get their expert opinions. Here's what they had to say.

Begin your day with a smarter approach. Get all the news you need delivered to your inbox first thing in the morning.

Keep essential documents in your "financial emergency kit".

You should pack your original Social Security card, birth certificate, and passport, said Vance Barse, founder of Your Dedicated Fiduciary - essentially any identification documents you don't carry in your wallet.

It's a good idea to make a photocopy of things you normally carry in your wallet, such as a driver's license, and keep the copy in your emergency go bag.

You might want to have a copy of a utility bill or another document that shows your address in case your neighborhood is barricaded when you return, as David Alvarez, a financial advisor with PAX Financial Group in San Antonio, recommends.

Make a list that includes all your account numbers from banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, as well as your rental property or mortgage. It should contain this information, as well as your online passwords and phone numbers for customer service at these institutions. Don't rely on having access to a working computer that stores your passwords, and don't assume you can retrieve customer service contacts from your mobile phone.

Also, be sure to include copies of all your estate planning documents, such as trusts, wills, and advance medical directives.

Create one document that outlines all the key roles and responsibilities of people who are involved in your life, including your estate executor, any credit or banking professionals you work with, and individuals who are included in your medical directives.

Make sure all your insurance policies, including health care and homeowners coverage, are listed on the one-page document mentioned above. Note your policy numbers, the names and contact information of any agents or brokers you work with. It's a good idea to keep track of the contents of your home and their value regularly for insurance purposes. If you're not up to date, you can always take photos as suggested by Alvarez.

Some financial advisers have differing opinions on this. While Barse and Alvarez advocate for keeping this information in paper form, Heather Liston of Clarity Financial said, “In an emergency, I hope I can grab my laptop or, at the very least, retrieve a backup from an external hard drive where I store copies of all my computer files."

What other essential documents and information should you include in your emergency preparedness kit for financial readiness?

Cash: several hundred dollars to as much as $1,000. Don't forget that if there's a power outage, you might not be able to access an ATM for some time. Barse also recommends packing one checkbook.

Make sure you have extra keys to your vehicles, home, and any other properties you own, such as vacation homes and storage units. You may also want to pack a padlock in case you need a temporary shelter, like a tornado-safe space, that comes with storage space.

Put all the items in the bag in waterproof containers or pouches. Check these containers regularly to verify that they remain sealed.

What location is best to store your emergency financial supplies, such as cash and credit cards?

Store your bag in a waterproof and fire-resistant location: a home safe or a fire and waterproof file cabinet. If you don't have a safe, get a file cabinet that can withstand fire and water.

Make sure it's accessible." Alvarez said. "You shouldn't have to be fiddling with locks when you need to be getting to safety.

It's worth remembering that during a crisis, you might not be the only one needing assistance, Barse said. "It's worth taking a little time upfront to prevent a lot of trouble and inconvenience later on in the emergency."

What's a "financial go bag"? A collection of essential documents and items that will help you manage your finances in case of a disaster or emergency.