Family emergency binder: what matters in an emergency, on paper
Who lives here, whom do you call, where do you meet, where are the papers? Our emergency binder collects it in one place. You print it and fill it in by hand, so it still works when power and phones are down.
- Free
- No sign-up and no email
- Created in your browser
Who is the emergency binder for?
Families with children
So grandparents, babysitters or neighbours know who may pick up the children, what they eat and what calms them.
Couples and people living alone
So relatives know whom to call in an emergency and where powers of attorney and papers are kept.
Households with pets
So someone else knows food, medication and vet if you cannot get home.
Put your binder together
Choose how many people and pets belong to your household. You get exactly the pages you need.
21 pages, A4
The binder is created right in your browser. We do not see or store anything.
What is inside
Every page is a form with plenty of room to write, lines and boxes to tick. With a table of contents and page numbers.
- 1Start hereHow to use the binder and which three pages to fill in within ten minutes.
- 2Household and emergency numbersWho lives here, 112, 110, 116 117, the poison centre for your region and your key contacts.
- 3Meeting points and escape routesOne meeting point near home, one outside the neighbourhood and who does what.
- 4Warnings and power cutsThe NINA warning app, Cell Broadcast, siren signals and what to do in a power cut, based on the BBK.
- 5Health, children, petsOne medical sheet per adult, one sheet per child with school, pick-up permissions and routines, one per pet.
- 6Emergency cardsCredit card sized cards to cut out for wallets and school bags.
- 7Home and suppliesWhere the main water valve, fuses and gas valve are, plus a supply table that matches our needs calculator.
- 8Emergency backpackA packing list with one column per person, aligned with our backpack checklist.
- 9Documents and directivesWhere IDs, certificates and policies are kept and whether a power of attorney, advance directive, care directive or guardianship wish exists.
- 10Finances, digital accounts, notesWhich contracts and accounts exist and how to get access in an emergency. Plus notes and a log for the yearly review.
How to use the binder
- 1Print itPrint single sided on A4, punch holes and file it.
- 2Fill it in by handStart with the three 10 minute pages. Fill in the rest over time.
- 3Keep it with your documentsStore the binder with your important papers, in a place every adult knows.
- 4Tell a trusted personSomeone outside your household should know the binder exists and where it is kept.
- 5Review it every yearNumbers, medication and clothing sizes change. Germany’s nationwide warning day in September is a good reminder.
No PINs, no passwords
The binder says where something is and whom to ask. It never contains the secret data itself. So do not write PINs, passwords, TANs or full account numbers in it. For online accounts, only note how a trusted person can get access in an emergency, for example through your password manager’s emergency access.
Goes well with
For the binder and the emergency backpack
A waterproof or fireproof folder protects the binder and your document copies. Light, a radio and first aid belong in every home.
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Questions about the emergency binder
What is an emergency binder?
A folder with everything you or your helpers need to know quickly in an emergency: emergency numbers, contacts, meeting points, medical details, information about children and pets and where important documents are kept. Because it is on paper, it works without power or a phone.
Does the emergency binder cost anything?
No. You download it for free, without signing up and without an email address. The PDF is created right in your browser and we do not store anything.
Where should I keep the binder?
With your important papers, in a place every adult in the household knows and can reach quickly. A waterproof or fireproof folder adds protection. Also tell a trusted person outside your household where it is.
Can I write passwords or PINs in it?
No. The binder only says where something is and whom to ask. PINs, passwords, TANs and full account numbers do not belong in it. For online accounts, note how a trusted person can get access in an emergency, for example through a password manager’s emergency access.
How often should I update the binder?
At least once a year and whenever something important changes, such as a new phone number, new medication or a new school. The last page of the binder is a log for the yearly review.
Does the binder replace a power of attorney or advance directive?
No. It records whether these documents exist and where they are kept. The German Federal Ministry of Justice provides information and forms. If in doubt, get legal advice.
Supplies and checklists in your pocket
The Ready Kit app reminds you of expiry dates, keeps your checklists and works without internet. Free for iPhone and Android.
