Family checklist
Family Emergency Checklist Before You Export
Use this family emergency checklist to confirm contacts, file locations, documents, insurance, payments, digital recovery notes, and encrypted backups are ready.
A workbook is only useful if family members can find it, understand it, and use it without needing hidden context.
Readiness checklist
Before relying on an emergency file, review it with one trusted person. The reviewer should be able to explain where the file is stored, whom to contact first, where documents are located, what payments matter, and which details are intentionally excluded for safety.
A good checklist does not ask for secrets. It confirms that the workbook points to official records, trusted contacts, support channels, safe recovery instructions, and review dates.
- At least one reachable emergency contact is filled in
- Printed copy and sealed-envelope locations are clear
- Important documents include exact locations
- Insurance and loan records include support contacts
- Digital recovery notes point to safe recovery instructions
- Monthly payments list what must continue and what can be paused
- The encrypted backup can be restored with a separately stored passphrase
Review rhythm
Set a next review date. A lightweight review every three to six months is usually enough for early versions. Review sooner after moving homes, changing banks, buying insurance, closing a loan, changing a phone number, adding a family member, or changing a nominee.
The review should focus on whether the information is findable, understandable, current, and safe to share with the intended trusted person.
- Review after major account, policy, phone, address, or family changes
- Do a restore test for encrypted backups
- Print updated first-step pages after important changes