Common Questions About Creating a Family Emergency Binder
As you work on this project, a few questions may come up. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
What about originals versus copies?
The rule of thumb is this: if the document is used to prove your fundamental identity or ownership and is difficult or costly to replace, the original should be in your file. This includes birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, property deeds, vehicle titles, and your original signed will. For things that are updated regularly or that you carry with you, like a driver’s license or health insurance card, a high-quality color photocopy is perfect.
Should I include cash?
Including a small amount of cash in small bills ($200-$500) is a wise emergency preparedness step. In the event of a power outage that affects ATMs and credit card machines, cash becomes king. Store it in a sealed envelope within your binder or box. A mix of ones, fives, and twenties is most useful.
How do I handle digital passwords and accounts?
Never, ever write your full list of passwords down and put it in this binder. If the binder were lost or stolen, it would be a roadmap for identity theft. The safest method is to use a reputable digital password manager. In your binder, you can include a single, secure page that lists the name of the password manager you use and a cryptic hint for your master password—something only you would understand. This guides you or a trusted family member without giving away the keys to the kingdom. For an official guide on what documents to have ready, visit the U.S. government’s preparedness site, Ready.gov.
What if I live alone? Is this still important?
Absolutely. In many ways, it’s even more important. If you are single or live alone, there may not be another person in the household who knows where your critical documents are. Creating a Grab-and-Go file and telling one trusted friend, neighbor, or relative where it is located is a vital part of your personal safety net. It ensures that someone can advocate for you and manage your affairs if you are ever unable to do so yourself.
