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The Emergency Planner

Where should we keep our emergency plan and private information?

By the team behind The Emergency Planner, designed in Austin, Texas. Updated October 2026.

Keep the full plan in a fireproof box or a safe, and tell two people where it is. If you do not have one, pick a spot out of sight that you can reach quickly, like a closet shelf or a drawer.

Some pages are meant to be shared and the rest are private. Hand out the one-page plan, the babysitter sheet, the medical summary and the wallet cards, and share the rest only as far as you are comfortable.

Pages to share

  • The one-page plan, on the fridge and with anyone who looks after your kids.
  • The babysitter and caregiver sheet.
  • The medical summary for first responders.
  • The numbers sheet and the wallet cards.

Keep it safe

  • Write where a paper or code is kept, never the full number or code.
  • Keep backup copies of important papers at a relative's home or in secure online storage.
  • Paper still works when a phone is dead, locked or out of battery.
  • A phone's lock screen medical ID shows what you allow to anyone who picks it up, so add only what you are comfortable sharing.

Free pages to print

Preview of Family wallet card

Family wallet card

Key contacts and meeting spots on a card that fits a wallet.

Preview of Medical wallet card

Medical wallet card

Conditions, medicines and allergies for a wallet or bag.

Preview of Important papers checklist

Important papers checklist

A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.

General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.

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