If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that it pays to be prepared. It’s important to take steps to ensure that you do everything you can to get ready for an unexpected emergency. If there’s a fire, earthquake, or another natural disaster, you don’t want to be wandering around your home, trying to figure out what documents to bring with you.
An emergency binder is one of the best ways to organize and maintain vital information in the event of an emergency. If the worst-case scenario were to happen, an emergency binder delivers peace-of-mind. You can put all of your important documents in one place rather than having to scramble at the last minute to figure out where your kids’ birth certificates went.
Below, we’ll explore the best way to go about putting together an emergency binder, what documents to include in the binder, and how to create an emergency plan.
What’s a family emergency binder?
A family emergency binder is a way to store and secure your family’s important information. These documents will help you should you ever need to start from scratch if everything else is lost. It should include all the important documents needed for yourself, your children, and your pets if you have any.
Your emergency binder might contain information about your taxes, estate plan, emergency contact numbers, legal documents, and notes about any assets you have.
What should I include in my emergency binder?
We’ve divided up what you should include in your emergency binder into a few different categories. Not all the documents may apply to you, so just use this list as a guide.
Emergency contact information, phone numbers, and email addresses
Family, friends, neighbors
Employers, colleagues, boss
Physician, counselors, specialists, dentists
Vet and emergency vet address and number (if you have any pets)
The utility company information for your home and your utility account number
Local non-emergency numbers
Identification copies and records
Driver’s license
State identification
Social Security card
Adoption papers
Birth certificate
Passport
Visa
Marriage certificate
Credit card copies
Military record
Foster record
Citizenship paperwork
Death paperwork
Medical and hospital information
Insurance card copy, insurance group number
Your physician’s name, contact information
Pharmacy number
Medical history record
Prescription list
Immunization records
Allergies
Insurance information
Home inventory
Real estate agent information
Insurance cards
Life insurance
Auto policy
Homeowner’s policy
Financial data and information
Credit card account number, password, card copies
Investment accounts
Bank account number, password, pin, card copies
Bank statements
Safety depository info
Tax information and tax returns
Legal documentation
Will
Power of attorney
House deed
Titles to your cars
Lease information
Other vital information
Evacuation checklist
Spare keys to your car and house
Copy of emergency plan
USB storage device with important photos
Maps
Cash
How to create the emergency binder
Step 1: Get a high-quality, durable binder
To put together your emergency binder, consider investing in a high-quality view binder so you can label the spine easily. Because of the number of documents the binder will hold, it’s important to get a thicker, three-inch binder size.
Step 2: Organize your paperwork with color-coding
It’s also a good idea to use color-coded page dividers, so you can split up documents based on their category. Page protectors are another essential part of your emergency binder because it keeps paperwork safe from water and debris damage.
Step 3: Save digital copies of all documents on a USB drive
It’s a good idea to keep copies of everything you have in your emergency binder in a virtual form in a USB storage device. This way, if anything happens to the hard copies, you still have your essential documents.
Step 4: Get a waterproof pouch
For any cash you might need in an emergency or any other small things you need safe, consider investing in a waterproof pouch. You can even get a large waterproof pouch to cover your emergency binder.
Step 5: Place your emergency binder in a fireproof safe
The best place to put your emergency paperwork is in a fireproof safe. Make sure you keep the access numbers to the safe somewhere secure.
How do I create an emergency plan?
If your region often deals with one type of emergency, like hurricanes, for example - it’s important to have a plan for what to do if disaster strikes in addition to an emergency binder.
The first step is to put a plan together with friends and family. Start by asking yourself these questions:
How do I receive emergency alerts and warnings for my area or neighborhood?
What is my shelter plan?
Do I know the evacuation route?
What is my plan to communicate with my family and/or household?
Is my emergency preparedness kit updated?
Does my household have specific needs?
Does anyone in my family have medical needs? Will anyone need specific help during an emergency with transportation or mobility?
Besides coming up with a basic emergency plan, don’t forget to put together an emergency kit as well. Here are some items you might want to put in a basic emergency supply kit:
Flashlight
Non-perishable food (three-day supply)
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Battery-powered radio
Extra batteries
Whistle
Wrench or pliers
Dust mask
Duct tape
Maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Extra pet food
Sleeping bag
Matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
Prescription medications
Personal hygiene items
Once you’ve assembled your kit, make sure you update it and organize it at least once a year. You should replace any expired food and re-think your needs annually. Keep your emergency kit in a safe but accessible place like a hall closet or in a kitchen cabinet.
Takeaways: Preparing for the Worst
Nobody wants to think about a natural disaster, but by taking steps beforehand to prepare, you can help ensure your family’s safety and happiness. Placing all of your essential documents in an emergency binder can give you peace-of-mind that you’ve done everything possible to prepare.
Author Bio: Samantha Rupp
Samantha Rupp holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is the managing editor for 365businesstips.com. She lives in San Diego, California and enjoys spending time on the beach, reading up on current industry trends, and traveling.
