Why every home needs a family emergency binder, and how to make one.
Prepare you family for an emergency situation by creating a grab-and-go family emergency binder. This should be an easy to transport resource that your family can use to get through a disaster or sudden evacuation. It will also help to expedite a potential disaster recovery process.
Fill this emergency documents binder with vital information and essential items, then keep it in a safe place that you can easily access in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Items to Include in Your Family Emergency Binder:
- Copies of Important Documents: Deeds, wills, insurance docs, social insurance cards, immigration documents, etc
- Emergency Contact Information
- Printed Backups of Family Photos and USB Drives loaded with picture and video files
- A list of important passwords (in case your phone becomes lost or is forgotten)
- Spare keys to your home and vehicles
- Charge cords for mobile devices
- Spare debit cards and a small amount of cash
- Allergy Information, Prescription Lists, Disability Outlines, and Vital Medical Information
- Vetted Repair Service Business Cards
How to Make an Emergency Binder
Here are some of the things you’ll need to create your emergency family management binder.
Heavy Duty Binder
Choose a heavy duty binder that’s tear-resistant and comes with strong, locking rings. This is important since you’ll be grabbing the binder in a hurry, and the last thing you need is for it to open up when you’re trying to get away.
When deciding on the binder’s size, go with either a 1” or a 2” binder. The idea is to keep this resource easily portable. Opting for a binder that’s too large and overfilled will make it cumbersome and harder to transport.
Secure Top Sheet Protectors
Help your documents stay securely in place by using Secure Top Sheet Protectors. This style of sheet protector is top-loading and features a convenient flap that helps prevent documents and smaller items from falling out.
High Visibility Neon Labels
Ensure that your family emergency binder is easy to see, especially if it sits on a shelf or in a closet among other things. A great way to ensure that you can grab it without searching is by placing High Visibility Neon Labels on the front, back and spine of your binder.
Business Card Pages
You’ll discover that Business Card Pages can have multiple uses when included in any emergency binder. They offer easy compartmentalization and a handy place to store small items like charge cords, USB keys, memory cards, spare keys, bank cards, and of course, business cards for repair service providers and other important contacts.
>>An Important Note<<
In this heavily digital age it can be tempting rely solely on mobile devices in times of emergency. However, in an emergency situation, especially weather emergencies, mobile devices can be broken or eventually may lose power. Additionally, service can be lost at the source, and the passwords, contacts and other information you vitally need will become suddenly out of reach.
Simply think of your family emergency binder as an offline backup plan…and make your own, today!
Get inspired! Let Avery.ca help you create, organize, plan, and get down to business with innovative ideas, hundreds of free templates, a wide selection of products and high-quality printing services.
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