I wish I was writing under better circumstances but unfortunately it is a sudden passing of a fellow expat that made me think of an Expat’s Emergency Checklist, and share with it with my readers.
I won’t go into the details but since the person didn’t leave behind any information on how to contact his family, I asked my self a question: “Who has the information about our families in case something happens to us?”
I mean, we all have good friends who would take care of our possessions and funeral in case we pass away; who will donate and raise the money if we are ever in need. But what information should I have available in case something to happen to me abroad?
So here is the checklist for you (and especially if you are an expat in China, since my list is based on the circumstances here):
1. Make sure you are registered with your consulate/Embassy. They should have your up-to-date information. It is probably the easiest.
2. Make a list of emergency contacts back home and keep it somewhere visible.
3. Make a list of emergency contacts where you currently reside and keep it somewhere visible.
For the #2 and #3: a lot of phones now allow adding emergency contacts to the locked screen. So in case something happens one doesn’t need to break into your phone.
4. Know your exact blood type and Rhesus.
5. Always have a list of allergies and your ailments available.
For #4 and #5: you can keep that information in your wallet. Most hospitals can tell you your blood type and Rhesus when they draw blood from a vein. You can just request it as a separate blood tests, too.
6. Have a copy of your apartment key with a trusted friend. This is optional but it is a great option.
7. Carry a copy of your passport and police registration (if applicable) with you.
If you can add more points, please do comment.
And last, but not the least:
While we all have right for privacy, it is important to let on some people. There will always be at least one person you can trust with your life. Don’t close up from them. Share the good and the bad. We never know how our life turns out to be. We just have to trust that there are enough people who will be there for you, no matter how close you are.