Emergency Contact List

During an emergency, communication networks can be overloaded or damaged, and your phone's battery may die. If you lose your phone or can't access your digital contacts, a physical copy of your emergency contact list becomes an invaluable resource. Its primary purpose is to ensure you have access to critical phone numbers and information even when your technology fails. This simple piece of paper can be the key to reconnecting with family and accessing help.

Your emergency contact list should be comprehensive. It should include the phone numbers and email addresses of family members, both local and out-of-state. An out-of-state contact is particularly important because it's often easier to make a long-distance call than a local one during a regional disaster. Also include contact information for your doctor, your children's schools, your workplace, and your insurance provider. It's also a good idea to write down any important account numbers or login information you might need. Create a small, durable, waterproofed card with this information for every family member's wallet or backpack, and keep a full-page version with your other important documents.

This list is a critical backup for your most important information. It ensures that even if you have to use a stranger's phone or a public payphone, you can still reach the people you need to. It's a simple, low-tech solution that addresses a common and significant point of failure in our digitally-reliant lives. It is a fundamental tool for maintaining your communication links and family reunification plan.