Use official local instructions, utility procedures, manufacturer guidance, and emergency services. The sheet’s job is to help people find correct information quickly.
Emergency and household contacts
- Emergency services: 911 in the United States, where available
- Local police, fire department, and non-emergency dispatch
- Poison control and relevant medical contacts
- Household members and an out-of-area contact
- Trusted nearby neighbor, building manager, or association contact
- Veterinarian and pet emergency contact where applicable
Confirm numbers from official sources. Do not rely on a search result during an urgent event when a verified number can be recorded in advance.
Utilities and essential controls
Record the provider, emergency number, account reference where useful, and correct emergency procedure for:
- Electricity
- Natural gas, propane, heating oil, or other fuel
- Water and sewer
- Well, septic, sump, generator, or other property-specific systems
Describe the location of the main water shutoff, electrical service panel, fuel controls, and important appliance valves. Do not include alarm, door, gate, or safe codes on a sheet posted where visitors can see it.
Use the main water shutoff guide to locate and document the water control without forcing an unfamiliar valve.
Safety equipment and exits
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm locations
- Fire extinguisher locations and types
- First-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and charging options
- Primary and alternate exits from sleeping and living areas
- Exterior meeting place
- Generator location and safe operating instructions where applicable
Test alarms and review their replacement information using the Smoke and CO Alarm Guide.
Household communication and evacuation plan
Ready.gov recommends making a family communication plan. Record:
- How household members will receive local alerts
- Where to meet inside or immediately outside the neighborhood
- An out-of-area contact everyone can reach
- Routes, transportation, and destination options for evacuation
- How children, older adults, pets, and people needing assistance will be supported
Practice the plan and update it after a move, household change, or major change to the property.
Medical, accessibility, and daily-living needs
Keep an appropriately protected record of medications, mobility or communication needs, medical equipment, refrigeration or power needs, allergies, and caregiver contacts when relevant. Share only the information necessary with trusted people.
Plan for prescription access, backup power, transportation, and assistance using guidance from healthcare providers and local emergency agencies.
Insurance and property information
- Insurance company and claim contact
- Policy reference stored securely
- Mortgage servicer or property manager where relevant
- Preferred emergency plumber, electrician, HVAC contractor, roofer, restoration provider, and locksmith
- Home inventory location and photo backup
Do not put full account numbers, identity documents, or passwords on a publicly visible sheet.
Immediate warning signs
Leave the area and follow emergency or utility instructions for suspected gas leaks, carbon-monoxide alarms, fire, sparking or active electrical hazards, structural collapse, dangerous flooding, or other immediate threats. Do not delay evacuation to locate paperwork or protect belongings.
Store useful copies without creating a security risk
- Keep a simple household copy in an agreed location
- Keep sensitive policy, medical, and account details in a protected record
- Store a secure backup away from the property
- Give trusted household members access appropriate to their role
- Review contacts and procedures at least annually
A refrigerator sheet can show emergency numbers and control locations. Passwords, alarm codes, policy documents, medical records, and full account information need stronger protection.
Primary sources
Editorial note: This checklist is a general organizational framework. Local hazards, alerts, contacts, and emergency procedures vary.