In Case of Emergency Binder

Do you have a single place that holds all the important information you or your next of kin would need during a crisis, an In Case of Emergency Binder?

When my kids were little, I had babysitter instructions on the counter and an accordion folder with school, medical, and household documents. Now my conversations with friends sound different: Would we even know where to find all the important paperwork in our parents’ homes? Do they have an in case of emergency binder or anything close to it?

This binder goes by many names: family emergency binder, next of kin box, in case of emergency file, even the slightly morbid “death binder.” Let’s just call it what it is: an In Case of Emergency (ICE) Binder.

Why You Need an In Case of Emergency Binder

Life happens. Instead of worrying about “what if,” spend a little time pulling together the information your loved ones would need if they had to step in. It’s not just about death. It can be as practical as leaving your house sitter instructions for how to shut off the water main and who to call when the pipes burst.

The major categories usually include:

• Identification documents
• Medical information
• Legal and financial records
• Emergency contacts
• Business succession plan (if you own your own business)

Some people copy important documents for the binder and store originals in a fireproof safe. Some write a letter of instruction. Others simply make a checklist of where each item can be found. However you organize it, the goal is the same: make it easy for your family to access critical information when they need it most.

If you are a solopreneur (run your own small business alone), you will want to create a similar business succession plan to help your next of kin with decisions on how to wrap up your business and notify your clients.

My “Sitter Info for Seniors”

When I travel, I leave a single sheet for whoever is staying with my mom. It has her medical contacts, her insurance details, my own emergency contact info, and basic house information. It’s basically the babysitter list we all used for our toddlers, only now it’s for senior adults. It’s not a demeaning thing. It’s a helpful document that gives everyone peace of mind, including my mom.

Don’t Forget a Will (and Other Legal Documents)

If you haven’t written a will, let this be your reminder: now is the perfect time. A will is one of the most personal and essential documents you can create.

• Wills outline what happens after you pass away, including guardianship if you have kids.
• Power of attorney allows someone to make decisions for you while you’re alive but unable to do so.
• Medical directives document your wishes for care.

You can find DIY templates online or through local services, but it’s best to consult a lawyer to ensure your documents follow state laws. 

How to Start Your Binder Without Feeling Overwhelmed

1. Schedule an ICE session. Block off an hour or two to gather documents or make your checklist.
2. Break it into pieces. If it feels like too much, add one session to it each month.
3. Think of your family. Do you really want them digging through your kitchen junk drawer or checking under the cat food bin to find your utility bills? Probably not.
4. Tell someone where it is. Whether it’s a binder, a safe box, or a digital file, your next of kin needs to know how to find it.

And yes, remind that good friend that upon your death, they may want to discreetly re-home your excessive coffee mug collection before your family and friends show up. (I won’t say which friend has asked this of me!)

Help Your Loved Ones Too

If you’re the next of kin for aging parents, help them build their own binder. If they’re capable, forward them this post. Share it with your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, your Bible study group, even your D&D friends. Everyone needs an ICE Binder.

Review and update it regularly, especially after big changes like a move, a medical update, or a new password change.

Resources to Get You Started

• Easy Checklist (FEMA): Safeguard critical documents
• Affordable Printable: Emergency Binder Mini Fillable
• Comprehensive Kit: The Nokbox
• Small Business Succession Plan: Family Business or Solopreneur

Final Encouragement

Think of an In Case of Emergency Binder as part homeowner’s manual, part babysitter list, and part estate planning. You don’t need to include everything, but you do need to start.

Block off time. Write your will. Create your binder. Then help your loved ones do the same.

And if decluttering your home feels like the next step, I’d love to help—check out my Clean the Chaos course.

TL;DR: Make an in case of emergency binder, write your will, have a business succession plan, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Your future self and your family will thank you.

Table Talk: Who is your next of kin? Which item listed here might be hard for you to track down? What updates should you make to your will?