By David Crimmins, CEO of Crimmins Domestic Staffing

September is Emergency Preparedness Month!

Every home runs better with a manual. Think about it. Any well-run organization has one—a guidebook that lays out who does what, where things are, and how to handle both everyday routines and unexpected crises. Your home deserves the same. That’s why families should create a household manual that details their policies and procedures. It’s not about bureaucracy—it’s about peace of mind.

And within that manual, emergency preparedness deserves a prominent place. When something goes wrong—whether it’s a sudden health scare, a storm, or even a power outage—families shouldn’t be scrambling for information. They should know exactly where to turn.

What Belongs in a Household Manual?

Every household is unique, but there are certain elements to include as a foundation. A strong manual can be customized and expanded, but it should cover at least the following areas:

• Contact List – family members, neighbors, trusted friends, and key service providers

• Staff Schedules – companions, aides, cleaners, or others who support the home

• Family Schedules – school drop-offs, work travel, appointments

• Daily Procedures & Standards – routines for meals, cleaning, or care preferences

• Household Supplies – where essentials are stored, from batteries to pet food

• Inventories – valuable items, equipment, or medications

• Medical Information – medication lists, allergies, insurance cards, providers (especially critical in emergencies)

• Dietary Information – preferences, restrictions, or allergies

• Events Schedule & Guides – templates and practices for recurring family events or gatherings

• Security Protocols – lock codes, alarm systems, and safety rules

• Troubleshooting – what to do if the internet goes down, the power trips, or the water heater fails

• Emergency Procedures – who to call first, where to go, what to bring

Many of the families we work with are surprised at how comprehensive these manuals become—because a household is complex, and even the small details matter. Why Emergency Preparedness Comes First

When emergencies strike, having a clear, accessible plan can be the difference between chaos and calm. An EMT should never have to wait while a family rifles through drawers for insurance info or medication names. A new aide shouldn’t have to guess about food allergies. A sibling across the country shouldn’t be left in the dark when decisions need to be made.

This is why I recommend that emergency information always comes first in any household manual. Some families keep this in a physical binder, others prefer a digital option—platforms like tendercare make it possible to store critical health information in a secure, shareable format that can be accessed instantly when needed. More Than Emergencies

A household manual isn’t only about crises. It brings order to daily life: fewer missed appointments, no duplicated grocery runs, and no “where is that password?” moments. It reduces friction for everyone—from adult children trying to coordinate care, to household staff, to aging loved ones themselves.

In my experience, once a family has a manual in place, they wonder how they ever lived without one. It becomes the steady backbone of the home—especially during transitions, when routines shift or new helpers come on board.

How to Get Started

• Start small: begin with your emergency section. Collect medication names, doctors, and insurance info today.

• Build out: add household contacts, schedules, and supplies over time.

• Share it: keep a physical copy in a prominent place, and consider a digital version to share with your family.

• Keep it updated: schedule regular check-ins to review and refresh.

Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence. A household manual gives families clarity on ordinary days and a lifeline on extraordinary ones.

About the Author

David Crimmins is CEO of Crimmins Domestic Staffing, a Verified Member of the Tendercare Trusted Network. His company specializes in staffing homes across various services, with particular expertise in Companion Care—providing dependable, compassionate support that helps older adults stay comfortable and safe at home. Crimmins serves families in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Florida.