Contact Cards and Reporting Out

Step 3:  Contact Cards and Reporting Out

What Everyone Needs to Know

When you check in during an emergency, certain information matters most. Having a plan for what to communicate keeps messages short (important when networks are struggling) and ensures nothing critical gets forgotten.

Essential Information to Share

When checking in with family or your out-of-area contact, include:

1. Your status: "I'm okay" or "I'm injured but safe" or "I need help"

2. Your location: Specific address or landmark, not just "downtown"

3. Who's with you: "I have the kids" or "I'm alone" or "I'm with Sarah"

4. Your plan: "We're staying here" or "We're heading to mom's house" or "We're going to the Red Cross shelter on Main Street"

5. When you'll check in next: "I'll call again in 2 hours" or "I'll text when we arrive"

Example check-in message:

"This is Dad. We're all okay. At home on Oak Street. Power is out but house is safe. Planning to stay here tonight. Will text again at 8pm."

Information to Have Ready

Keep this information easily accessible (in your phone, wallet, go-bag):

For each family member:

• Full name and photo

• Date of birth

• Physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color, distinguishing features)

• Medical conditions

• Medications

• Allergies

• Doctor's name and number

• Insurance information

For your household:

• Home address and phone

• Work addresses and phones

• School addresses and phones

• Vehicle descriptions and license plates

• Pet descriptions and medical needs

Create Emergency Contact Cards

Make wallet-sized cards for each family member with:

• Their name and photo

• Emergency contact numbers (family members + out-of-area contact)

• Medical information

• "If found, please call..."

Laminate these cards and keep them:

• In everyone's wallet

• In backpacks

• In go-bags

• In vehicles

Templates available from Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html