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Are you are the person in your house who gets the bills paid and keeps your household operating? I bet lately you’ve been thinking about what would happen if there was an emergency and something were to happen to you.
Today its time to confront that worst case scenario together – I’m going help you make a Family Emergency Binder ASAP!
Let’s be honest with ourselves, if the year 2020 has taught us anything its that ANYTHING can happen to ANYONE, right?
If you are anything like me, you’ve spent a good deal of time trying to avoid thinking about the worst case scenario.
But its time to stop procrastinating and prepare our families for an emergency.
Why You Need a Family Emergency Binder
Do you ever wonder what would happen if you got too sick to manage your household and work?
Because Mom, let’s not mince words here, YOU are the leader of your family.
I’m not discrediting Dads or their role in a family – my husband is a wonderful father and husband.
But at the end of the day its Moms who juggle and coordinate all the family details.
How would your family function if something to happened to you?
If you are shaking your head at me because your husband handles the details, then its equally important for you to have a Family Emergency Binder.
If something happens to him a Family Emergency Binder will let you focus on him and your family instead of spending time freaking out about how he’s been paying the household bills.
Why You Need Emergency Plans When you Work at Home
I love the work from home life but working at home has different routines and household management needs then working around people in an office.
Working from home includes being socially distant from other people.
Social distance can lead to isolation.
Isolation and health emergencies don’t mix!
If something were to happen to you, your spouse or child would anyone outside your home be able to help?
If you haven’t made or maintained your health and emergency plans now is the time to get it done.
My Personal Ah Ha Moment
In early 2020, while my husband was on a work trip, I got sick.
Real sick.
But since I work from home, I didn’t see any other human beings except pre-school moms at drop off and pick up for a few days.
I brushed on bronzer and lip gloss, tossed on a baseball hat and sunglasses and got in and out of the school quickly each morning and afternoon so I didn’t breathe on anyone.
Because I work from home no one knew how sick I really was – including myself!
It wasn’t until I spiked a high fever that I got nervous.
What would happen if I fell asleep and didn’t pick my daughter up?
What would happen if I passed out from the fever?
What would happen if…
Through the fever, horrible what if thoughts kept popping up in my mind.
I discovered three things that week.
- I had Flu A and the flu is nothing to mess with!
- A family emergency binder is imperative when you work from home
- I should have taken my own advice What To Do When You Are Sick and Work at Home!
What Goes in an Emergency Binder?
If you are anything like me, you know you NEED an emergency binder ASAP, but you probably have NO IDEA where to start.
What important documents should you have gathered in case of an emergency?
When I sat down to get started the first thing that came to my mind was the password to my social media accounts and my phone.
Next I made a list of the main bills we pay each month
- Mortgage
- Utilities
- Car Payment
- Car Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Cell Phone
- Credit Card
I also thought about the other big things we pay for that someone would need to know about
- House Insurance
- Taxes
And then there are all the health related question. What personal medical information do you need to organize in a family binder?
I don’t know about you but this is the part that I start to get overwhelmed.
The great news is you don’t have to start your Emergency Binder from scratch.
How to Create a Family Emergency Binder
There are already a lot of awesome free printable Family Emergency Binders and low cost resources out there just waiting for you to download, fill out and print.
There are how to guides, cheat sheets, worksheets and even 100+ page binders ready for you to download.
But who has time to wade through all those binder options?
So to help you – and me – get our families ready for any health related emergency that might come our way I’ve done the work for you.
I’ve gathered links to my favorite printable Family Emergency Binders and printable family medical binders to help you get started ASAP.
And because every family is different, I’ve tried to provide a variety of options to meet your in case of emergency needs.
Take a look through the options below then get started working on your family’s emergency binder today!
Printable Family Emergency Binders & Family Medical Binders
Chrissi, a healthcare professional, is my personal go to when I have family health and safety questions. (FYI- She's particularly good at answering kid puke questions!)
Her Family Emergency Binder blueprint was the first place I turned when I stopped procrastinating and started to really prepare my family for an emergency.
If you or a family member had to be hospitalized - and no one could go with them - how would important medical history and information be communicated?
Karin, a former healthcare professional has created a simple form to keep on hand AND in your Family Emergency Binder. Make it as easy as possible for EMT's, nurses and doctors to care for you and loved ones in an an emergency.
When Dawn suddenly lost her husband she had to step into the roll of managing all her family's household bills, something her husband had taken care of.
From her own experience, Dawn provides real life recommendations on what you need in a family emergency binder so you don't find yourself in the same position she and her young son were in.
Do you have a multi-generational household? Or are you the primary point of contact for older parents or relatives?
If so then Brandi, a Certified Caregiving Specialist and family caregiver has a great checklist for you!
Conclusion
Taking care of your family is far more complicated today than it ever was.
The year 2020 has taught us that you cannot ever be over prepared for a disaster situation.
From becoming an overnight home school teacher to hunting for toilet paper to being banned from Grandma’s assisted living facility to keep her safe – leading you family through an emergency has become an elevated part of every mom’s job description.
Being prepared to lead your family by having a Family Emergency Binder filled out will give you more energy and mental bandwidth to focus on time sensitive emergency needs.
If you live in a hurricane prone area, like I do you, might also like my post Healthier Eating Hurricane Box and Meal Plan.
Additional Posts You Might Like
What To Do When You Are Sick and Work at Home
How to Find an Accountant When You Work at Home
How to Find the Right Bookkeeper for Your Business
How to Find Health Insurance When You Are Self-Employed
Hello and welcome, I love helping working from home moms master mom life, generate income for their families and stay connected with the outside world all from the comfort of home! Learn more about me 
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