SiteIn Case of Emergency
A couple weeks ago, I started thinking about what would happen with my work if I suddenly became incapacitated. (I have to learn how to procrastinate better, huh? Thinking about my demise doesn’t really cut it.) I have so many passwords to my computer and websites that my husband wouldn’t have a clue how to log in. At any one time I have six to 12 assignments due with various editors: how would anyone know who they are and how to contact them? Worse, I hate thinking about my editors tapping their fingers, wondering what the hell happened to their AWOL freelancer.
It gave me the idea of setting up an “In Case of Emergency” binder. I spent a few days collecting all of my passwords and procedures and writing them up for my book. I have a page that gives detailed instructions on how to log into my computer. Another page shows them how to log into the server that hosts this blog. There’s a page that tells them who to contact if I go belly up so those people can spread the word. There’s a list of my editors’ names, their e-mail addresses, and phone numbers. I made copies of my driver’s license, credit cards, passport, insurance papers, and other docs, and listed locations for my p.o. box and safety deposit box keys. I even programmed my cell phone with a couple ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone numbers.
It sounds kind of depressing, but it ended up offering an illuminating look at how I run my business. I realized how much of “stuff” I carry around in my head, stuff that would be better stored in a binder. I created some spreadsheets that helped me get a better look at my systems. Best of all, it eliminated that “what would happen” worry that lingers in the back of my mind. My husband knows where the binder is; I’m also going to tell a couple other family members where they can find it. I have peace of mind that my affairs will be in good hands.
Has anyone here done anything like this? What else would you include in your binder? Post your thoughts in the comment box! [db]
7 Responses to “In Case of Emergency”
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Heather Larson
Said this on June 22nd, 2007 at 12:47pm:I haven’t created an emergency binder for writing but I think it’s a fabulous idea. You should pitch it to The Writer or Writer’s Digest. Fiction writers should have an emergency plan, too.
This is what I call a “fresh” idea.
Heather
Ginny
Said this on June 22nd, 2007 at 2:05pm:This is a really good idea, though in my house I’d need my husband to do it. One thing we both have done is put important numbers in our cell phone (like my hubby’s work and cell phone #s) under the title “ICE” - In Case of Emergency - so if we are out and about somewhere and are in an accident, emergency personnel can look in our address book and know who to contact.
alicia
Said this on June 23rd, 2007 at 9:14am:I haven’t but it’s a brilliant idea. And hey, if something productive and useful comes out of procrastination, it doesn’t matter how “creative” it is, haha.
cal
Said this on June 25th, 2007 at 11:22am:Really mixed feelings about this — I can see why this would be a good idea but from what I understand, most ID theft comes from paper trails (not online use) & this strikes me as a really easy mark.
Granted, how many people are going to have access to it in your home & how many have nasty intentions greatly reduce the risk. Something to think about, though.
Melissa
Said this on June 25th, 2007 at 2:19pm:A few years ago at the magazine where I work, one of best our regular writers failed to submit a story, and attempts to get in touch with her didn’t work. It was really frustrating not knowing what had happened. Months later, we found out she had had a brain tumor. We never learned whether she recovered from that…really sad. But a good lesson to be learned in why it’s important for somebody to contact your editors if something were to happen. If we hadn’t learned of her illness we may never have gotten past thinking of her as just another writer who went MIA.
Katherine Waters-Clark
Said this on July 1st, 2007 at 10:37pm:A few years ago when my children were very young, my husband was heading to Japan for a three-week work trip. In our house, since he’s in charge of the bills, the wills, the insurance, etc. (I know, I know….). I couldn’t tell you where everything was. Plus, a lot of his “system” was also (like Linda) in his head. Before he left, I had him write it all down on one page: account numbers, balances, etc. so that in the event that God forbid something happened to him on his trip, I could literally turn the page over to my sister to take care of while I took care of the kids. He came back just fine, but I am still glad to have that sheet of paper. Regarding identity theft, couldn’t you leave the list in a safe deposit box at the bank? That’s where I keep that list now.
Sue P
Said this on July 5th, 2007 at 1:22pm:My FIL had one of these types of binders and it was a Godsend when he was killed in a car accident. In one place we found every important paper and directive he had. My husband came home and immediately created one for our family. I never thought about doing it for writing, but it makes sense. OTOH, my husband would have access to my work email and my calendar of work hangs on my wall. But he should know my various memberships and others he should contact. Just another thing to add to the stuff I should do list . . .