A family preparedness plan covers four things: important documents stored safely, a memorized emergency contact, a childcare plan (with a power of attorney if possible), and a lawyer or organization identified in advance. Preparing today, calmly, prevents rushed decisions during a crisis.
Quick answer
Preparing is not alarmism, it is caring for your family calmly. A good plan has four parts: secured documents, a memorized emergency contact, a childcare plan, and a lawyer or organization identified in advance. Doing this today prevents rushed decisions in a moment of crisis.
1. Secure your documents
Gather and keep in a safe place:
- Passports and birth certificates (yours and your children’s).
- Green card, work permit (EAD), or USCIS notices.
- Your A-number, if you have one.
- Contact information for your lawyer or organization.
- Important medical records and prescriptions.
Leave copies with a trusted person who can reach them quickly. Keep secure, password-protected photos in the cloud.
2. Memorize an emergency contact
Phones get lost, die, or are confiscated. Choose a trusted person and memorize their number. Make sure they know what to do: who to call, where the documents are, and how to care for your children.
3. Childcare plan
Decide in advance who would care for your children if you could not. Consider a temporary power of attorney so that person can make medical and school decisions legally. Rules vary by state; a legal organization can help you do it right.
4. Identify legal help in advance
Keep the name and number of a lawyer or accredited organization handy before any emergency. Once a crisis hits, finding help from scratch is much harder. Learn to recognize trustworthy help and avoid scams.
If a family member is detained
- Stay calm and gather their information: full name, date of birth, and A-number if you have it.
- Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to find them.
- Contact your lawyer or organization as soon as possible.
- Do not sign, or have them sign, anything without legal advice.
- Write down hearing dates and keep all papers.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a power of attorney?
Not always, but it is strongly recommended. A power of attorney for childcare must follow your state's rules. A legal organization or lawyer can help you do it correctly.
How do I find a detained family member?
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator (locator.ice.gov) with the person's A-number or biographic information. A legal organization can help you locate them and guide the next steps.
Should I carry my original documents all the time?
No. Carry only what you need and keep originals in a safe place. Carry copies and, if you have status, valid ID. Never carry false documents.
Official sources
Verified against primary sources on June 3, 2026. Immigration law changes fast, always confirm at the official source before acting.
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