With the increasing incidents of missing persons, it has become essential to take necessary precautions to ensure that our loved ones have all the information they need if we were to go missing. Creating an “If I Go Missing” folder is an effective way to ensure that vital information concerning your identity, medical history, personal contacts, and financial records are readily available to assist search efforts in case of your disappearance. Here is a guide on how to make and send an “If I Go Missing” folder if you disappear.

1. Identify What Information to Include in the Folder

Your “If I Go Missing” folder should include all the information that can help locate you if you were to go missing. Begin by identifying several categories of information to include in the folder, such as:

– Your full name, date of birth, gender, and physical characteristics such as height, weight, hair color, and eye color. Also, include a recent photo of you.

– Your medical records, including any allergies, medications, illnesses, and medical conditions.

– Personal contacts, such as emergency contact persons, family members, close friends, and co-workers, with their full names, phone numbers, and addresses.

– Financial records, including bank account information, credit cards, and debt records.

– Your travel history, if applicable, indicating the destination, date, and point of departure.

2. Organize the Information

Once you have identified the information to include in the folder, organize it into relevant categories and label each section for easy access. Use clear and concise language when describing each category.

3. Secure the Folder

The “If I Go Missing” folder contains vital information that should only be accessible to a trusted and reliable person. Choose a close family member, a trusted friend, or a lawyer to keep the folder safe. Give them clear instructions on how to access the folder in case you go missing and how to disseminate the information in it to the authorities.

4. Send a Copy of the Folder to Relevant Authorities

In addition to sharing the folder with a trusted individual, it is also a good idea to send a copy of the folder to relevant authorities, such as your local police department or the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). These organizations can enter your information into their database, which can facilitate the search for you if you go missing.

5. Update the Folder Regularly

Ensure that the “If I Go Missing” folder is up-to-date by updating it regularly. Add any new information concerning your medical history, personal contacts, and financial records. If you change your emergency contact persons, ensure that the information is reflected in the folder.

Conclusion

An “If I Go Missing” folder is a practical tool that can help locate you if you go missing. By including essential information concerning your identity, medical history, personal contacts, and financial records, you increase the chances that authorities will find you if something happens. Ensure that you keep the folder updated and secure, and share it with trusted individuals and relevant authorities to increase the chances of finding you if you disappear.