Reference documents offer quick access to critical information when systems are down, time is limited, and stress is high.
This page outlines useful categories of documents to keep printed, stored offline, or organized in a preparedness binder. Some reference materials on ZombieResources.com are available for download, while others are listed for reference only.
This distinction is intentional and based on official distribution and public-release markings on source documents.
Read the Document Provenance and Hosting Policy
Personal and Household Documents
Important personal records are often difficult or impossible to replace during disruptions. Copies should be protected and accessible.
Common examples include:
- Identification documents
- Insurance policies and contact numbers
- Medical information and prescriptions
- Emergency contact lists
- Household inventories for insurance purposes
Documents can be stored as sealed paper copies, encrypted digital files, or both. ZombieResources.com does not host personal documents, but highlights what types should be considered.
Medical Reference Sheets
Medical references support decision-making when professional care is delayed. These documents should match your level of training and comfort.
Useful reference types include:
- Basic first aid reference sheets
- Medication lists and dosing notes from healthcare providers
- Allergy and condition summaries for household members
- Emergency medical consent forms
Keep medical references concise, clearly labeled, and reviewed regularly.
Emergency and Preparedness Guides
Official guidance and trusted manuals offer baseline information that can be referenced without internet access.
Examples include:
- Local and national emergency preparedness guides
- Disaster response manuals relevant to your area
- Evacuation maps and hazard maps
- Utility shutoff instructions
Some official manuals are approved for public release and may be hosted on this site. Others are referenced by title only due to distribution restrictions.
Focus on sources that are credible, current, and relevant to your location.
Checklists and Templates
Checklists reduce cognitive load during stressful situations. Templates help standardize planning, execution, and review.
Common checklist types include:
- Bug-in and bug-out supply checklists
- Vehicle emergency kit lists
- Household emergency planning templates
- After-action review forms
These documents should be reviewed periodically and updated as conditions change.
Storage and Organization
Reference documents are only useful if they can be found quickly. Organization matters more than volume.
General storage considerations include:
- Keep paper documents in waterproof containers
- Label sections clearly
- Store copies in more than one location when appropriate
- Review documents on a regular schedule
A small, well-organized binder is often more useful than a large, cluttered archive.