Andrea Arroyo, 2016 (USA / México) Un-American Arte digital / Digital Art © www.unnaturalelection.com

Emergency Plan for Immigrant Families​
Do not fear the future, transform it 

BY ITZEL YARGER ZAGAL

Having an emergency plan will bring you peace of mind and reduce the anxiety in difficult times. The plan provides tools to act in case something unexpected arrives. Making it is very simple. Here are some ideas of what to include in it. You can modify them to meet the specific needs of your family. 

1. POWER OF ATTORNEY: 
​a. Designate a person (legal guardian) who will be responsible for your children. For example, in case of deportation, the designated person can make decisions in medical emergencies and even travel with your children. This prevents children from becoming entangled in the system of foster care and family reunification will be easier. 

b. Designate someone who can take financial actions on your behalf. For example, collect your last check, sell your car, or terminate the lease. 

c. If there is no one that you trust, ask organizations and churches about alternatives. 

d. The letter must be signed in the presence of a public notary (in any bank there are notaries and it has an approximate cost of $ 25)

2. INFORMATION SHEET: 
a. Family medical records: allergies, medications, and doctors 
b. General information about parents and children 
c. School
d. Bank
e. Emergency contacts 

3. LIST OF CONTACTS: 
a. Family in Alaska and other places 
b. Consulate (for Mexican citizens, the Seattle Consulate covers Alaska) 
c. Organizations that support immigrant families 
d. Churches
e. School (teachers) 
f. Lawyer 
g. Clinic or doctor 
h. Friends
i. Food banks 

4. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FILE: 
a. Passports
b. Birth certificates
c. Power of Attorney
d. Property titles (home, car) 
e. Medical records (vaccines, medications)
f. Important documents (social security card, IDs, bank accounts).
 
Give a copy of this plan to each family member and to the people you trust. Speaking with them is essential to make the plan effective. Make sure that at least one copy of your home and car keys is left with someone you trust. 
​
Finally, remember that it is worth dreaming, and do not fear the future, transform it. 

​Informar, Educar, & Unir
Inform, Educate, & Unite

Si necesita ponerse
en contacto con nosotros
haga Click

If you need to
contact us
​click here