I created this “If I Go Missing” template to help bring peace of mind to stressful times.
What is the “If I Go Missing” Template?
The “If I Go Missing” template is a detailed guide of over 36 pages to help you organize your personal information in the event the unthinkable happens. It’s an important tool for organizing your personal information.
This template is available for purchase on my website. Over the years, I’d estimate over 100 students completed the “If I Go Missing” template. I receive an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from parents every year. I launched the template on my website last year and thousands of people have downloaded it already.
What Prompted You to Create an “If I Go Missing” Template?
If you’ve never visited my page before, welcome! My name is Valerie. I am a teacher of over 15 years. Currently, I teach English, Health, Ethnic Studies, and ELD. I teach at a small continuation high school in Los Angeles. I’ve also taught Pre-k-elementary school in Tokyo for eight years, and middle school in South Los Angeles for four years. I even opened my own school in Hawaii! I’ve surrounded myself in education.
A couple of years ago, I taught a unit on personal safety. Students learned about the importance of keeping and protecting their personal information. We continued to learn about personal relationships and safety within those relationships, especially in instances of domestic violence. That’s how we started to discuss the “If I Go Missing” template.
What’s Included in the “If I Go Missing Template”?
- Detailed Forms: Easily fillable sections for personal information, ensuring vital details are readily available in the event of a disappearance.
- Personal Relationships: Document important contacts and relationships to expedite search efforts and provide crucial support.
- Employment & Finances: Keep track of employment details and financial information to aid authorities in their investigation and safeguard your loved one’s assets.
- Login Information: Securely store login credentials for online accounts, ensuring access to vital digital assets and communication channels.
š Key Features & Benefits:
- Peace of Mind: Empower yourself and your family with a proactive approach to safety and preparedness.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly forms and organized sections make it simple to complete and update as needed.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From personal details to financial information, our guide covers all the bases to assist authorities and loved ones effectively.
- Suitable for All Ages: Whether you’re an adult or a teen, “If I Go Missing” provides invaluable support and guidance for all members of the family.
š Perfect for:
- Families seeking to prioritize safety and preparedness in their household.
- Teens and young adults embarking on independent journeys or college life.
- Caregivers looking to ensure the well-being of their loved ones in any situation.
There’s also a version for younger children. I have several young mothers/fathers in my classes, so I made one with them in mind. Many of my students are still learning how to navigate health care, and this lesson
What To Do If Someone Goes Missing:
These are some of the tips I share with my students when we cover the “If I Go Missing” unit.
1. Stay Calm & Confirm the Person is Actually Missing
- Try to remain calm so you can think clearly and make decisions effectively.
- Double-check locations where the person might be (e.g., their room, car, workplace) to make sure they aren’t just delayed or temporarily out of reach. If possible, visit places they frequent (like work, gym, or favorite spots) to see if they are there.
- Try reaching out to them through their phone, email, or other messaging services.
- Contact people who might have seen them or heard from them recently. They may have information on their whereabouts.
- Look at texts, emails, or social media for any clues that might suggest where they went or why they left.
2. Notify Law Enforcement
- Immediate Action: If the person is a child or there is reason to believe they may be in danger, report them to the police right away.
- For Adults: According to the State of California DOJ’s website, there is no waiting period for missing adults. Agencies in other states may ask you to wait for a period of time, however if there are signs of foul play or urgent concerns, itās best to notify them sooner rather than later.
3. Provide Law Enforcement with Detailed Information
- Include the personās physical description, clothing, health issues, habits, and any other relevant details (e.g., the last time you saw them, where, or who they were with). If you have a completed “If I Go Missing” template, you would provide police with the packet to aid them in their search.
4. Check Security Cameras or Surveillance Footage
- If the person has access to surveillance footage or youāre aware of nearby cameras, check for any clues that might indicate where they went.
- Ask neighbors and community members to check home security cameras.
5. Contact Local Hospitals and Shelters
- If the person is missing in a distressing or unclear situation, contact local hospitals and shelters to see if they’ve been admitted.
6. Alert Social Media and Online Communities
- Consider posting on social media to spread the word. Use hashtags like #MissingPerson or share in local online community groups. Include a photo and any relevant details.
7. Prepare to Share Their Information Widely
- In case law enforcement does not take immediate action (or if youāre trying to speed up the process), prepare fliers with the person’s picture, details, and contact information for reporting sightings. Distribute it in your community and online.
8. Keep a Record of Events
- Get a notebook. Make sure to document all communication with authorities, family members, and friends. This will help keep track of what has been done and when.
9. Stay in Touch with Authorities
- Follow up with the police or search team regularly for updates on the investigation. You may also want to inquire if any new evidence has surfaced.
10. Stay in Contact with Others
- Keep everyone informed so that search efforts remain coordinated and effective.
11. Take Care of Yourself
- Donāt neglect your own well-being during this stressful time. Rely on support from loved ones and professionals to cope with the emotional stress.
Who Can You Contact If You Find A Missing Person?
If you are in the California, you should contact the California Department of Justice using the toll-free hotline: 1-800-222-FIND (1-800-222-3463) or contact them by email. Outside of California, you should contact your local or state law enforcement for support.
UPDATED Additions to the “If I Go Missing” template
A few months ago, I read emailed me and explained she was going into surgery. She said she was using the “If I Go Missing” template for her family when she goes into surgery. I thought it was a great idea because it would be helpful for family to have access to important information in the event of a medical emergency. With that in mind, I created four additional worksheets for the template.
(Click on the caret or on the photo to download)
Medication Log Sheet
Keep all your medication information in one location with this useful medication log.
Pre-Surgery Preparation Checklist
This will help you organize your pre-surgery needs.
Keep a list of your medical team in one place.
Surgery Packing List
Make sure to pack the necessary items for your hospital stay.
“If I Go Missing” – Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Over time, I hope to continue updating this form with lots of new content. I hope you enjoy these additions and I hope they help you navigate difficult times a little easier.
Please let me know if you have any feedback and/or if you would like to request any additions!
Valerie
