Emergency Contact Sheet: Printable Family Template
When an emergency strikes, you may not have access to your phone's contact list. A printed emergency contact sheet in your kit ensures everyone in your household can reach who they need to. Fill this out now and put a copy in every emergency kit.
Why You Need a Printed Contact Sheet
Phone batteries die. Networks go down. Print this and put it in your kit.
- Phone batteries die during extended power outagescritical
Even with a power bank, a printed backup is faster and always available.
- Cell networks get overloaded during major emergenciescritical
Texts often go through when calls don't. Have numbers written down regardless.
- Children and elderly family members need contacts they can access without a phonecritical
Make sure every household member has their own copy.
- If evacuated, you may not have your phone or it may be damagedcritical
What to Fill In
Use the printable below to fill in your household's information.
- Household member names, ages, and any medical conditionscritical
- Primary out-of-area contact (someone outside your region who everyone can check in with)critical
Local lines may be overloaded. An out-of-area contact acts as a communications hub.
- Local family contacts (2–3 people in your area)critical
- Meeting place #1: Near your home (for house fire, local emergency)critical
Example: the big oak tree at the corner of your street.
- Meeting place #2: Away from your neighborhood (if you can't return home)critical
Example: the library 2 miles away, or a family member's home.
- Primary doctor / pediatrician
- Nearest hospital and urgent care
- Utility emergency numbers (electric, gas, water)
- Insurance policy numbers (homeowner/renter, health, auto)
- Any special medical information (medications, allergies, conditions)critical
Your Printable Contact Sheet
Out-of-Area Contact: Your Family's Hub
The most important contact on your sheet is an out-of-area contact — someone who lives outside your region. During a major local emergency: - Local phone lines are congested - It's often easier to call long distance than local numbers - Your out-of-area contact serves as the hub: everyone checks in with them, and they relay messages between family members Choose someone responsible who understands the role. Brief them on your family's plan before you need it. Source: Ready.gov Family Communications Plan
How Many Copies to Make
Make at least one copy for each of: - Your home emergency kit - Each go-bag (in a waterproof sleeve) - Your car glove compartment - Your workplace emergency bag Store digital copies in a cloud service that family members can access from any device. Consider laminating the printed copies for durability.
Official Sources
- Ready.gov — Family communication plan
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