The essential people and details to include in an emergency contact list.
An emergency contact list works best when it is small, current, and understandable to someone other than you. Start with the people who can act, not just the people you care about.
The core five
- A primary trusted contact.
- A backup contact who lives or works nearby.
- A household member, parent, or sibling where relevant.
- A medical contact if you have an ongoing need.
- Your local emergency-service number.
What to share with them
Make sure your contacts know your full name, any essential health information you choose to share, your common routes, and the best way to reach you. Label contacts clearly in your phone; “Auntie Ada” may make sense to you but not to a first responder.
Do a two-minute update
Once every few months, verify numbers, remove outdated entries, and ask whether your contacts are still comfortable being on the list. A good list is a living document.
If you use Reachr or another safety tool, keep the same contacts aligned there too. Consistency prevents confusion when time matters.