Family Emergency Binder Checklist

When an emergency happens, the last thing your family should worry about is hunting for paperwork. This checklist helps you gather the right documents in one place so your loved ones can act quickly.

Start with the essentials

Every family emergency binder should include these core documents:

• Will or trust — So your wishes are clear and legally recognized.
• Advance healthcare directive — Who can make medical decisions if you can't.
• Power of attorney — Who can manage finances or legal matters on your behalf.
• Life insurance and policy details — Where to find policies and how to file a claim.
• Property deeds and vehicle titles — Proof of ownership when it's needed.

Keep originals in a safe place (e.g. a fireproof safe or attorney's office) and store copies or summaries in a secure digital vault your family can access.

Add contact and account information

Create a simple list that includes:

• Family members and key contacts (with phone and email).
• Doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors.
• Account types and where they're held (without passwords — use a secure service for that).

Pro tip: Use a secure digital vault like FamilyKeep so your family can access documents from anywhere, without storing passwords or sensitive details in one place.

Review and update regularly

Set a reminder to review your binder once a year or after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new child, move). Outdated information can cause more confusion in a crisis.

Getting organized now gives your family one less thing to worry about when it matters most.