Being prepared before an emergency strikes is of the utmost importance. However, it's never too late to create an emergency binder with key documents, emergency contacts, and any pertinent medical information on yourself and members of your household. With the sudden and unexpected spread of COVID-19, now more than ever it's vital to have this information accessible. See the list below for everything you should have on-hand.
Emergency Binder Checklist:
- Emergency contact names, numbers, and addresses, i.e. family members, next of kin, neighbors, etc.
- Current, up-to-date medications list, including names, dosage, and dose time
- Copies of Medicare and/or supplemental insurance cards
- Names and phone numbers of all doctors or specialists, including their practice name
- List you as a contact with the doctors and insurance companies
- Living will (aka advanced medical directive), properly notarized
- Power of attorney information, properly notarized
- Copies or originals of birth certificate, picture ID, social security card
- Bank information
It's important to keep this binder in a safe, secure place that is not easily found, but that is accessible by emergency personnel or family in the event of an emergency. Securing the binder in a locked safe or file cabinet and providing the lock combination or a copy of the key to one of your emergency contacts is a good idea.
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