DeathBox Guide

Family Emergency Binder: Your Complete Guide to Family Preparedness

When emergencies affect your entire family, having organized, accessible information for each family member can save precious time and reduce stress. Learn how to create a comprehensive family emergency binder that keeps everyone's critical information in one place.

Why Families Need Special Preparedness

Multiple People, Multiple Needs

Each family member has unique medical needs, emergency contacts, and important information that must be quickly accessible during a crisis.

Children's Special Requirements

Children may need special medications, have specific allergies, or require particular comfort items during stressful situations.

Caregiver Information

Emergency responders or temporary caregivers need immediate access to each family member's critical information and care instructions.

Family Separation Scenarios

During emergencies, family members might be separated. Having organized contact information helps everyone reconnect quickly.

Family Emergency Binder Structure

1
Emergency Quick Reference (Front Section)

The most critical information that anyone might need immediately:

Emergency Contacts:

  • • 911 / Local Emergency Services
  • • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
  • • Family emergency contact (out-of-state)
  • • Neighbors and local friends
  • • Work contacts for parents

Critical Family Info:

  • • Home address and phone
  • • Family meeting points
  • • Evacuation routes
  • • Key locations (work, school)
  • • Utility shut-off locations

2
Individual Family Member Sections

Create a dedicated section for each family member with their specific information:

For Each Person Include:

Basic Information:
  • • Full name and nickname
  • • Date of birth
  • • Social Security number
  • • Recent photo
  • • Physical description
Medical Information:
  • • Blood type
  • • Allergies and reactions
  • • Current medications
  • • Medical conditions
  • • Doctor contact information

Special Considerations for Children

  • • School and teacher contact information
  • • Comfort items and special needs
  • • Authorized pickup persons
  • • Behavioral considerations during stress
  • • Special dietary requirements

3
Family Emergency Plans

Communication Plan:

  • • Out-of-state contact person
  • • Local meeting points
  • • School/work emergency procedures
  • • Social media check-in procedures
  • • Alternative communication methods

Evacuation Plan:

  • • Primary and secondary routes
  • • Transportation arrangements
  • • Pet evacuation plans
  • • Important items to grab
  • • Shelter locations

4
Important Documents Section

Identity Documents:

  • • Birth certificates (all family members)
  • • Driver's licenses/IDs
  • • Passports
  • • Social Security cards
  • • Marriage/divorce certificates

Financial & Insurance:

  • • Insurance policies and cards
  • • Bank account information
  • • Credit card information
  • • Investment accounts
  • • Property documents

Creating Quick Reference Cards

Wallet-Sized Emergency Cards

Create laminated cards for each family member to carry with essential emergency information:

FAMILY EMERGENCY CARD
Name: [Family Member Name]
DOB: [Date] | Blood Type: [Type]
Allergies: [List critical allergies]
Medications: [Current medications]
Emergency Contact: [Name] - [Phone]
Out-of-State Contact: [Name] - [Phone]
Meeting Point: [Primary location]
Home Emergency Kit Location: [Location]

Print on cardstock, laminate, and ensure each family member carries one at all times.

Digital Integration

Digital Backup Strategy

  • • Scan all binder contents to PDF
  • • Store encrypted copies in cloud storage
  • • Keep copies on encrypted USB drives
  • • Share access with trusted family members
  • • Update digital copies when binder changes

Mobile Access

  • • Store emergency contacts in all phones
  • • Use emergency contact features (ICE)
  • • Install family safety apps
  • • Set up location sharing
  • • Download offline maps of your area

Maintenance and Updates

Family Binder Review Schedule

Keep your family emergency binder current with regular reviews and updates.

Monthly (First Sunday)

  • • Review and update emergency contact information
  • • Check medication lists for changes
  • • Update any new medical conditions or allergies
  • • Verify emergency kit supplies

Quarterly (Seasonal)

  • • Update photos of family members (especially children)
  • • Review and practice family emergency plans
  • • Check insurance policy information
  • • Update school and work contact information

Annually (New Year)

  • • Complete review of all binder contents
  • • Update all identification document copies
  • • Review and update financial information
  • • Replace emergency cards with updated versions
Get the Family Emergency Checklist

Download our comprehensive checklist to ensure your family binder is complete.