It seems impossible that almost a year has past since I have written in here. Since Dave's passing, time has just been a fog for me as I continue to crawl out of the grief phase of my life. Only recently have I realized that in the event of a personal emergency, I should have a place where vital information could be found. My biggest nightmare would be to have an accident and see all these strangers in my house rumbling through my things just to find information about me! Worse yet would be my animals escaping out the door, an ambulance taking me away, leaving my house unlocked with people coming and going while I'm stuck in a hospital somewhere.Being a very private person with family living out of state, I became aware that even my friends would not know how to contact my loved ones if necessary.
When Dave was alive, I never had to think like this. He knew who to call and I knew who to call for him. He was here to handle things at the house for me and I was here for him. Things are different now. I decided that it would be a good idea to print up a notebook of everything someone needed to know in the event I could not be here at home to manage things. I played out all types of scenarios in my mind in order to prepare this book. Yesterday I finished the first draft of it and placed it on my kitchen table, the cover reading, "Cynthia's Emergency Information, Please Open This". I knew from my experience with Dave that the first place the EMT's check is the refrigerator door for any medical notices. So I plan on hanging a tag on the refrigerator directing them to this book.
The book became divided into several parts:
Medical: This lists my name, age, address, insurances, medical cards, doctors and current medications and where they are located in the house. Also listed is any other medical information that could be pertinent.
Family: This lists all the names and phone numbers of my immediate family
Friends: Located here are the telephone numbers of local friends that would be willing to assist me in the event of a crisis, such as coming over and dealing with my animals, locking up my house, checking to be sure I have no appliances running, burners on and so forth.
Animals: Here I have listed my pets, their feeding schedules, where to find their food, their habits and routines and what I wish done with them should I not be back home within a few days. I want my friends and family to know my immediate concerns in regards to the care of my pets.
Personal/financial: Here I have listed what my monthly bills are and how to pay them should I not be coherent or able to attend this task. I have started a process to try and have as many bills as possible automatically deducted through my personal checking account or credit cards. Also listed is any financial information necessary to carry on my obligations.
Business: In a separate book I am keeping the information regarding how to keep my business running should I not be able to operate it's daily functions. Realizing that I would definitely need my income from it as well as not wanting to lose it, it would be important to have a plan in place to keep it functional. Making some minor adjustments, this is quite doable.
Home: This area of the book includes any home information needed. Insurances, Repair and maintenance Services, mortgage information, etc. Where to find keys for home and post office.
Death: In the event of my death, this area includes where to find necessary information pertaining to this event.also listed here is a list of the people I would like contacted.
I am sure as I work with the book it will evolve into more details than what I currently have listed. I feel this is a start and gives me peace of mind should I ever need it. Whether you live alone or are a couple living without family near by, this book may be a consideration for you as well. If something should happen to both you and your spouse, you will want to provide details to make things easier for those who come to assist the situation.
What is needed?
The Notebook: A three ring binder
Plastic page covers
word processing program to type and print out page documents. This will allow changes and updates to be added with ease.
Place in obvious place near the refrigerator. (counter, kitchen table)
Consider a tag for the refrigerator directing someone to the book
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