In Case of Emergency

No one likes to think of the "what if's" if tragedy happens. It's depressing, it's a mood killer and it's not fun. It's even more horrifying when the "what if's" haven't been prepared for. Does someone in your family know that you have an allergy to shellfish or iodine? Are your bills easily accessible and well laid out so that someone else can walk in and know what to pay, when to pay and what has been paid? How about a living will? Assets in your name, bank account information, credit cards, safety deposit boxes, does anyone know where to find all of the above information? How about any medications you are currently taking, your family doctor, specialists you have been seeing? It's overwhelming, I know. Now imagine your significant other or parent. What state of mind are they in if something life threatening has happened to you? Is it fair to add the extra stress of trying to figure out what insurance company you are currently with, when they are distraught and worried about your health?

Nasty subject, I know, but I have seen the affects of not being prepared when an unexpected death has occurred and it is not pretty. I also know that most people do not even want to talk about "if something happens to me", but it is necessary. Several years ago, I flew over to Scotland by myself and it was the first time I had been out of the country and I was leaving my two children with my mother. Before I left, I handed my mother a file folder with copies of my passport, driver's license, credit card and banking information, Power of Attorney if something happened to either myself or the kids, insurance numbers, social security cards and I also had a Living Will drawn up, just in case. Obviously, my mother was a little taken back by the file and I did try to soften it by putting the information in a pink file folder, but the logical side of her brain realized that this was necessary. Just in case.
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Being prepared isn't necessary just for the elderly or those of you who travel, it's necessary for everyone. An estimated 1.2 million people worldwide die each year from a car accident and you think you don't need to be prepared? Emergencies aren't just limited to fatalities or accidents tragedy can also come in the form of missing family members. That is definitely something you don't want to think about, but it is imperative that you are prepared for it.

Let's just assume you agree that you need to have your things in order, how do you go about organizing the information?

Tools To Get You Started

1. 3-Ring Binder

2. Page Protectors

3. Business Card Organizer sheets

4. Divider Tabs

The binder is a great way to house all of your important documents in one place that can be easily retrieved and taken to the hospital. The page protectors can be used to house pages you may need to change often or may not want hole punches in. The Business Card Organizer can be placed inside the 3-ring binder for your doctor cards, prescription information, and any other specialists, bankers, financial advisors, lawyers, etc. Even emergency contact information of family members and friends can be placed inside the binder. You will need the divider tabs to organize the different types of documents housed in your binder.

Divider Tab Labels

Not everyone will have the same information, so please be sure and customize to fit your needs. I also encourage you to have a section for every member of your immediate family and keep it all in one place.

1. Medical Information - doctors, allergies, medications you are currently taking, insurance

2. Personal Information - full name, social security number, passport information, copy of your driver's license, a current photo, finger prints, marriage license, divorce papers, birth certificate

3. Banking Information - checking accounts, credit cards, loans, safety deposit boxes

4. Assets - stock, bonds, IRA's, real estate, companies you own, etc.

5. Legal Documents - wills, trusts, Power of Attorney, Living Will



Again, everyone's binder will be different, so if you need to add more information and different tabs, then please do.

Once you have your binder and tabs ready, start putting in the information. It is entirely up to you if you want to place originals in the binder or copies. I have both in mine. A copy of my passport for when I am traveling and the original so I know where to find it when I am home, but it is entirely up to you. The next important piece of this project is to let someone know that you are doing it, why you have, and where it's at. It should be easily accessible, yet not somewhere it can be inadvertently snatched up. Remember, your life is that binder. If you have a fire proof safe consider placing it inside. Just make sure the person you put in charge of the binder knows the combination.

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Organizing could be one of the greatest gifts you give to yourself and to your loved ones.

Suzanne Babb-McLoone

Organizational Empowerment

"Empowering you, your life, your future"