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As members of UKSN, we understand the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances. While we meticulously plan for outdoor expeditions, it's equally vital to have comprehensive plans and procedures in place for situations where you might not return home as expected. This article delves into the significance of such planning and offers practical steps to ensure your loved ones are safeguarded, both in everyday scenarios and in extreme situations.
The Importance of Contingency Planning
Life is unpredictable. Whether it's an unexpected delay during an adventure or a more serious incident, having a predetermined plan ensures that your family knows exactly what to do. This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that situations are handled efficiently, reducing potential stress and confusion.
Always Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
One of the simplest but most effective safety measures is always informing someone of your plans before heading out. Whether you're going on a short hike, a wild camping trip, or a longer expedition, you should always:
Tell someone where you are going – Be specific about your destination, route, and expected return time.
Agree on a check-in time – Set a time when you will contact them to confirm you are safe.
Use tracking services – Services like Apple’s Find My or apps like Life360 allow trusted family members to see your last known location. If you disappear or fail to return home, this can be crucial in locating you quickly.
Carry a backup communication method – If you're heading into remote areas, consider carrying a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach, which allows you to send messages and share your location even without phone signal.
Raising the Alarm: When to Act
If you fail to return home, your family should have a clear plan on when and how to escalate the situation. This should include:
Check Your Last Known Location – If you use Find My or another location-sharing app, your family should check where you were last active.
Attempt to Contact You – If you don’t respond to calls or messages within an agreed timeframe, they should contact your emergency contacts.
Call for Help – If there’s still no response, or your last location suggests potential danger, they should alert emergency services by calling 999. In the UK, search and rescue services can be contacted via 999 if you are missing in remote areas.
Establishing Communication Protocols
One of the first steps in contingency planning is setting up clear communication protocols. For instance, if you're delayed and unable to contact your family:
Designate a Primary Contact – Decide who your children or family members should reach out to if they can't get in touch with you. This could be a grandparent, close friend, or neighbour.
Set Time Frames – Determine specific time frames after which certain actions should be taken. For example, if there's no contact from you within a set number of hours, your children should call their grandparents.
Emergency Contacts List – Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers. The British Red Cross recommends keeping a paper copy of this list in case mobile phones lose power.
Legal Considerations for Extreme Scenarios
In more severe situations, such as incapacitation or death, it's crucial to have legal plans in place:
Wills and Guardianship – Clearly state in your will where you wish your children to live and who should be their guardian. This ensures that your children are cared for according to your wishes.
Power of Attorney – Establish a lasting power of attorney for property and finances. This allows a trusted individual to manage your assets if you're unable to do so.
Legacy Contacts – Set up legacy contacts for accounts like Facebook, Apple, and Google. This allows a trusted family member or close friend to access your accounts and manage them in the event of your passing.
Managing Digital Assets & Cryptocurrency
In today’s digital age, our online presence and financial assets often extend beyond traditional banking. Ensuring these assets are accessible to trusted individuals is essential:
Digital Inventory – Create a list of all your digital assets, including email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, and subscriptions.
Access Information – Document usernames and passwords securely. Consider using a password manager that offers an emergency access feature, ensuring your digital assets are accessible to trusted individuals when needed.
Cryptocurrency Access – If you hold cryptocurrency, make sure to document the necessary information for accessing your wallets, including private keys, seed phrases, and exchange logins. Without this information, your assets could become permanently inaccessible. Store this securely in a physical location, such as a fireproof safe, or through a legal framework like a digital estate plan.
Digital Executors – Appoint a digital executor in your will to manage your digital and financial assets. This person should be tech-savvy and trustworthy.
Practical Steps for Preparedness
Beyond legal and digital considerations, there are practical steps you can take to ensure your family's preparedness:
Emergency Kits – Prepare bug out bags, and emergency kit for your home. This should include essentials like a battery-operated torch, spare batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, and ready-to-eat food.
Regular Drills – Conduct regular emergency drills with your family. This ensures that everyone knows what to do and can act swiftly in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed – Utilise resources like the UKSNs Crisis Centre to stay informed about potential hazards and how to prepare for them.
Conclusion
Being part of the UKSN community means valuing preparedness and self-sufficiency. By establishing comprehensive plans and procedures, you ensure that your loved ones are protected, no matter the circumstances. Taking proactive steps today—whether through communication protocols, legal documents, or digital asset management—can make all the difference tomorrow.
This helps to give you a basis of what to do and how you can explain it to your family well written