Most families plan for emergencies in their heads. The problem is that heads are exactly what get scrambled in a stressful moment, and the details often live in one person’s phone. A single printed page makes the essentials available to everyone, including a babysitter or a grandparent.
This is organizational guidance, not a complete emergency plan. In the United States, Ready.gov publishes official preparedness guidance; wherever you live, follow the advice of your local authorities.
What to put on the page
- Household members and any important needs, such as allergies or medical devices, in the level of detail you are comfortable sharing.
- Emergency numbers for your area, plus your doctor, pharmacy, veterinarian and poison control. In the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222.
- An out-of-area contact. Ready.gov notes that a long-distance call can sometimes be easier to make than a local one after a disaster. Choose one person everyone can check in with.
- Two meeting places: one just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood.
- School and childcare contacts and pickup arrangements.
- Where things are: the water shutoff, electrical panel, first aid supplies, flashlights and important documents.
- Pets: food, carrier location and vet details.
Talk it through
A plan nobody has heard of is not really a plan. Walk through the page together in simple terms. Younger children can learn a meeting place and an adult’s phone number. Older children can help check the flashlight batteries.
Keep copies where people will look
Keep one copy in your family binder, one in a school bag or wallet where appropriate, and a photo on each adult’s phone. Share it with regular caregivers.
Review it twice a year
Pick two dates, perhaps the start of the school year and the start of summer, to update numbers and check supplies. Ready.gov suggests rethinking your needs every year as your family changes.
Start with our free sheet
Our printable family information sheet lets you fill in these details on screen and print them. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.
Sources & further reading
Adapt these ideas to your household. Organization guidance is general information, not medical, safety or financial advice.
