3 Important Facts About Emergency Information Cards

by Susan Evans

Emergency information cards are like medical “business cards” for you and your family.

WHN TIP – Child ID Info: Download the free FBI Child ID for iOS or Android to electronically store photos and vital information about your children. App includes pictures and physical identifiers like height and weight as well as ability to e-mail the information to authorities with just a few clicks. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® has a downloadable identification kit.

Why You Need Them

In an emergency, if you are unable to communicate, the card can provide critical information to those providing assistance.

  • Children: ideal to take to sleepovers or on play dates, or to give to babysitters, teachers, or child-care providers.
  • Adults: handy for college students and adults who may live alone, travel or live a long way from family members.

WHN TIP – Color Schemes: For children’s cards, choose different colors or designs to tell which card is for which child.

Where to Keep Them

Put the card in an easily accessible area: in a briefcase or handbag, in a backpack, gym bag or lunch bag, in a diaper bag or pocket. Keep one card near your house phone.

You can laminate the card or keep it an inexpensive business card holder.

WHN TIP – Heading outdoors for a workout? Take a card with you — just in case! This is especially important if you’re out of town. A badge holder on a lanyard or with a clip works great!

What Information to List

Contact information

  • Your name, address and phone number
  • Emergency contact information for at least two relatives or close friends. (This could be your “ICE” contact.)
  • Your doctor’s name and telephone number

Medical information

  • Allergies (including allergic reaction instructions)
  • Medications
  • Health issues
  • Special needs or other conditions or disabilities

WHN TIP – Watch What You Publish! When you have personal information cards – for emergency or other purposes – assume ANYONE can see the info. You need to carefully choose and decide what information you are willing to “publish.”

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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