Most of us carry around an enormous amount of information that our families rely on without realizing it.

You know which bills are on autopay.

You know where the insurance information is.

You know who handles the mortgage.

You know the password to the utility account.

You know which doctor to call, where important documents are stored, and which company holds the life insurance policy.

But does anyone else?

It's an uncomfortable question, but an important one:

If you suddenly weren't available tomorrow, would your family know what to do?

The information only you may know

Think about an ordinary week in your household.

There may be dozens of small pieces of information that exist primarily in your head:

• Bank and financial institutions

• Insurance companies and policies

• Mortgage or rent information

• Utility accounts

• Doctors and healthcare providers

• Important medications

• School information

• Attorneys, accountants or financial professionals

• Employer benefits

• Retirement accounts

• Important online accounts

• People who should be contacted in an emergency

• Where important documents are stored

None of these things seems particularly difficult while you're around to answer questions.

During an emergency, however, finding even basic information can become surprisingly difficult.

Start with information, not perfection

Family preparedness doesn't have to mean creating an enormous binder, hiring three professionals and spending the next six weekends organizing paperwork.

Start small.

Ask yourself:

"What would someone need during the first few days if I couldn't help them?"

Write those things down.

Then ask:

"What would they need during the next few weeks?"

That might include insurance information, recurring bills, financial accounts, important contacts and documents.

You don't necessarily need to include sensitive information such as complete account numbers or passwords in the same document. The goal is to create a road map so the right people know what exists and where securely stored information can be found.