Birth Certificate on Hand

Keep each family member's birth certificate in one designated area, preferably a security deposit box or some sort of box that requires a password to open. Consider using a fireproof box. If your home becomes dilapidated from a fire or over flooded, you'll need your documents more than ever.

Name Changes

If you change your name by court order, rather than marriage or divorce, update your birth certificate to reflect your current name. It'll make legal procedures a smoother transaction.