Peace of Mind: Building Your Family's Emergency Phone Tree

Living on your own can be a great way to stay independent. But sometimes, unexpected things happen. Maybe you slip and fall in the kitchen, or maybe you just don't feel well enough to get yourself to the doctor. That's where having a plan comes in - especially a plan for getting help quickly in an emergency.

One fantastic tool every independent adult should have is an emergency phone tree. Think of it like a chain reaction of calls - a way to ensure your loved ones know something's wrong and can get you the help you need.

Here's why having a phone tree is so important:

Time is of the Essence: In an emergency, every second counts. A phone tree helps get critical information to your loved ones rapidly, so they can act.
Reduced Stress: Knowing your loved ones will be notified quickly gives you peace of mind and takes some of the worry off your shoulders if something happens.
Clear Communication: A well-defined phone tree ensures your wishes are known and everyone understands who to contact next.

Building Your Phone Tree: Step-by-Step

Now that you know why a phone tree is essential, let's get to building yours! Here's a simple, step-by-step guide

Step 1: Gather Your Contacts

Start by making a list of all the people you'd like to be contacted in an emergency. This might include:

Children or close relatives: People who live nearby and can get to you quickly.
Neighbors or close friends: People who can check on you if your relatives are unavailable.
Doctor or medical professional: Include their office number and after-hours emergency contact information.
Non-emergency contacts: If you have a trusted friend or neighbor who can help with things like picking up groceries or medications, add them to the list.

Step 2: Prioritize Your Calls

Think about who you'd want contacted first. Typically, this will be your closest family or the person who lives closest to you. This person becomes the "root" of your phone tree.

Step 3: Map Out the Calls

Now, for each person on your list, decide who they should contact next if they can't reach you. For example, if your child is the first person on the list, you might designate a neighbor or friend as their next contact. The key is to create a chain where everyone knows who to call if they don't reach the person before them.

Here are some additional tips for mapping out your calls:

Think about backup options: If your first contact is unavailable, have a clear backup person listed.
Consider different scenarios: Think about different types of emergencies. You might want a separate phone tree for medical emergencies and for non-urgent situations where you simply need someone to check on you.
Test your tree: Once you've created your phone tree, do a test run. Call each person on your list to make sure they know what to do in an emergency.

Step 4: Create a Visual Aid

Once you have the order of calls figured out, it's time to create a visual representation of your phone tree. This could be a simple chart or a flow diagram. Here's an example:

ME -> Child 1 (lives nearby) -> Neighbor (if Child 1 unavailable) -> Doctor's Office

Make sure your phone tree is clear, easy to read, and includes all the necessary contact information for each person.

Step 5: Keep it Handy

Once you have your phone tree created, keep a copy in a convenient location where you can easily access it in an emergency. Here are some good spots:

On the Fridge: This is a great place because it's usually accessible and easy to see.
Next to the Phone: Having it right by the phone can save precious seconds in a critical situation.
In Your Wallet: Keep a small card with your phone tree in your wallet or purse.
Medical alert system: If you have a medical alert system, you might be able to store the phone tree information in the device itself.

Bonus Tip:Consider laminating your phone tree so it doesn't get damaged. You might also want to keep a digital copy of the phone tree in your email or cloud storage for accessibility.

Step 6: Share the Plan

Now that you have your phone tree created and stored in a safe place, it's time to share it with your loved ones. Give them a copy of the phone tree and walk them through the plan. Make sure they understand who to call and what to do in an emergency.

Remember: Update your phone tree regularly as needed, especially if contact information changes.

A Final Note

Creating an emergency phone tree is a simple way to ensure your loved ones know what to do if something happens to you. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one knows who to call in an emergency and there's even a backup plan in case the first or second person isn't available. Practice using the phone tree every few months / once a quarter and even ask your loved one to show you where their phone tree is to make sure that it hasn't been misplaced accidently.