Make a small paper card with trusted contacts and meeting places, then keep a copy with you.
Why it matters: A paper card helps you find important numbers if your phone is lost, out of power, or unavailable.
Written guidance reviewed: 2026-10-02 · Sources and equipment assumptions are below.
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Understand the job before starting
A paper card helps you find important numbers if your phone is lost, out of power, or unavailable.
A common mistake to avoid
Do this while you are safe, before an emergency. Ask your contacts before listing them. Keep the card private; leave off passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive details. During an emergency, follow local officials' instructions. This card is one small part of an emergency plan.
Words used in this guide
Rent
The amount paid to use someone else’s property for an agreed time. Read the example
Emergency contact
A person an organization should try to reach if you need urgent help. Read the example
Use what you already have. Check each item when it is ready.
Before you begin
Do this while you are safe, before an emergency. Ask your contacts before listing them. Keep the card private; leave off passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive details. During an emergency, follow local officials' instructions. This card is one small part of an emergency plan.
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STEP 1 OF 4
Gather contacts
Start here: Gather contacts
Illustration: Gather contacts. Read the steps for your exact task.
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Choose a trusted local person and, if possible, someone outside your area.
Ask whether they can be your contact if you are separated from your household.
Confirm their names and current phone numbers directly with them.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: You have confirmed numbers for people who agreed to be your contacts.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 1 OF 4
Gather contacts
Start here: Gather contacts
Illustration: Gather contacts. Read the steps for your exact task.
Choose a trusted local person and, if possible, someone outside your area.
Ask whether they can be your contact if you are separated from your household.
Confirm their names and current phone numbers directly with them.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: You have confirmed numbers for people who agreed to be your contacts.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 2 OF 4
Write your card
Start here: Write your card
Illustration: Write your card. Read the steps for your exact task.
Write your name at the top of a small paper card.
Add each contact's name and phone number.
Label who is local and who is outside your area.
Use clear writing and compare every number with the confirmed details.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: You can read the card easily, and every phone number matches the details you confirmed.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 3 OF 4
Add meeting places
Start here: Add meeting places
Illustration: Add meeting places. Read the steps for your exact task.
Agree on two meeting places with your household: one just outside your home for a sudden evacuation, and another outside your neighborhood if you cannot return home.
Choose places everyone can reach.
Write their names and exact locations on the back.
Only go there when it is safe and allowed.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: Everyone knows both locations, and the card describes them clearly.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 4 OF 4
Carry and practice
Start here: Carry and practice
Illustration: Carry and practice. Read the steps for your exact task.
Fold the card into your wallet or everyday bag.
Save the contact numbers on your phone too, if you have one.
Give household members their own copies.
Practice finding the card and explaining whom you would contact; do not call an emergency number as a test.
Update copies when details change.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: You can find your card quickly and explain your contacts and both meeting places.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
Pictures for this guide
Picture 1 of 4 · Gather contacts
A young adult confirms trusted contacts by phone beside a short contact list.
For: Gather contacts
Illustrations show examples of the actions above. Follow your equipment’s instructions.
Notes about these pictures
Choose a trusted local person and, if possible, someone outside your area. Ask whether they can be your contact if you are separated from your household. Confirm their names and current phone numbers directly with them.
Do this while you are safe, before an emergency. Ask your contacts before listing them. Keep the card private; leave off passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive details. During an emergency, follow local officials' instructions. This card is one small part of an emergency plan.
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How to use the video with this guide
Read “Before you begin” first. Watch the relevant part, pause, then return to the written step and its completion check. Use captions and playback speed if they help. A demonstration may cover only part of the task or show different equipment.
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For this guide, the final result is: You can find your card quickly and explain your contacts and both meeting places.
A concrete way to approach this task
Choose one small part of this task and follow its first step before expanding the job.
What if I cannot complete a step?
Identify the exact step: “Gather contacts.” Record what you tried, what happened, and which item or model you used. Ask for help with that specific problem rather than repeating an unsafe or unsuccessful action.
Do this while you are safe, before an emergency. Ask your contacts before listing them. Keep the card private; leave off passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive details. During an emergency, follow local officials' instructions. This card is one small part of an emergency plan.
Connect this skill to everyday life
Choose contacts and a meeting plan with the people who will use it. Start with an accessible contact card and the location of important records.
An emergency binder helps you find information; it cannot guarantee communication or replace local emergency instructions.
A useful record for this task: Record the result of “Carry and practice”: You can find your card quickly and explain your contacts and both meeting places.
When finished, record the result and any next check or follow-up date. Your original step checks and notes remain on this browser.
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