Grab & Go Binder: Gathering Essential Information

A grab & go binder is an essential family emergency tool designed to keep all critical documents, records, and emergency plans in one easily accessible place. Whether you need to evacuate quickly or start rebuilding after an emergency, this binder ensures that vital information is organized, secure, and ready when you need it most. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a grab & go binder, what to include, and how to store it effectively. The goal is simplicity, so it’s small enough to grab and go while containing everything you need.

Creating the Binder

Your binder can be created in either a physical or digital format. Choose the option that works best for your family and situation. Consider creating both forms to have access to your information regardless of circumstances.

Physical Option

3-Ring Binder: with dividers, index sheets, and page protectors for easy organization.

Digital Options

Cloud Storage: Secure your documents online for access from anywhere.
Thumb Drive: Save your files on an encrypted USB drive for portability.

Learn more about creating a physical and digital Grab & Go Binder.

What to Include in Your Grab & Go Binder

The binder should cover the following main categories (when applicable*):

Documents & Records (copies only)
ID Kits for Children*
Pet Information*
Emergency Plans

Let’s go over each.

Documents & Records

This section organizes your family’s critical paperwork:

Financial: Bank statements, account numbers, and contact information.
Insurance Policies: Include policies and ID cards for health, home, auto, and life insurance.
Medical & Health: Immunization records, prescriptions, allergies, and health histories.
Legal: Copies of wills, power of attorney, and any legal agreements.
Identifying Records: Birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, marriage certificates, etc.
Home Purchase: Mortgage documents or rental agreements.
Auto: Titles, registrations, and loan details.
Business: Key business documents, licenses, and agreements.
School / Employment: Transcripts, diplomas, and employment contracts.
Utility Account Numbers: For quick service restoration.
Photos: Recent family and property photos for identification or insurance purposes.
Phone Numbers: Emergency contacts, family, friends, and services.

Learn more about Documents & Records

ID Kits for Children

Create detailed ID kits for children, including fingerprints, recent photos, and identifying information.

Learn more about ID kits for children

Pet Information

Include a Pet Info Packet with vaccination records, identification details, and vet contact information.
Add your pet’s evacuation plan.

Learn how to make a Pet Info Packet
Learn how to create a Pet Evacuation Plan

Family Emergency Plans

Store all your family’s emergency plans in one section, covering communication, evacuation, and disaster-specific scenarios.

Explore types of family emergency plans

Storing Your Grab & Go Binder

Keep your binder in a safe but easily accessible location. Ideally, place it inside an adult’s grab & go bag so it’s always ready to go when needed. For digital binders, ensure secure backup copies and consider redundancy (e.g., multiple storage locations).

Conclusion

A grab & go binder is an invaluable tool for ensuring your family is prepared for emergencies. By gathering and organizing essential documents, identification kits, pet information, and emergency plans, you’ll save precious time and reduce stress when it matters most. Whether you choose a physical binder, a digital option, or both, the key is to keep it simple, secure, and accessible. Start building your grab & go binder today and gain peace of mind knowing it’s there if you need it.