In Case of Anything: A Nomad’s Guide to Emergency Planning

It’s not a fun topic. In fact, it’s one of the most uncomfortable things to think about. But it’s also one of the most important: What happens if something goes wrong while you’re living on the road? Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just taking weekend trips, the reality is the same—we are all mortal, and at some point, decisions will need to be made on our behalf.

If you’ve been part of the nomad or vanlife community for long, you’ve likely seen or heard of situations where someone passed away or was hospitalized, and their loved ones were left scrambling. As a court reporter, I’ve watched it unfold in courts. Families fighting over estates. Confusion over what someone really wanted. And too often, people just guessing.

So here’s the truth: Nomad or not, you need a plan. Not just a will. A plan that your Home Circle—your people back home—can understand and carry out with minimal stress and maximum clarity.

1. Talk About It—Out Loud

First and foremost: For the love of all things, talk about your wishes. Out loud. With real people. Don’t just scribble them down on a napkin and tuck it in your glovebox.

If you don’t want to tell everyone, choose the boldest person you know—the one who remembers every campfire confession. The one who’s not afraid to speak up and say, “On June 14, we were at a campfire and she said she wanted hula dancers at her funeral.” That person will be your memory-keeper.

2. Make a Will—Even a Simple One

You don’t need a pricey lawyer to get started. There are free and low-cost will-making tools out there (like Cake, FreeWill, or even a handwritten, signed note in some states). It’s not just about money—it’s about peace of mind. If you’re leaving uneven inheritances or personal items with meaning, let people know. Otherwise, it’s not just grief they’ll be managing—it’s resentment.

3. Create a Home Circle Document

This is for the people who need to step in if something happens to you:

• Who gets your rig? (Hint: it might not be your kids)
• Who should take care of your pets?
• Where are your storage units?
• Do you want to be cremated, buried, or something else?
• Do you want a party, a ceremony, or just your playlist playing at a lake?

Include a “permission note” that allows your rig to be sold or donated. Name names if you already know who should be offered it—or who absolutely should not be.

Keep a folder with:

• Maintenance records
• Insurance and registration details
• Notes about how to drive or tow your rig
• Your wishes regarding disposal

This also helps you if you ever want to sell the rig yourself later.

4. Take Care of Your Pet Plan

If your dog loves “Mary” and lights up whenever she visits your rig, write that down. Let your family know who you trust to adopt your pet.

Also keep a pet care sheet inside your rig:

• Food brand and amounts
• Vet contact info
• Medications and dosages
• Any quirks, triggers, or routines

This small step can save your pet from a stressful handoff—or worse.

5. Prepare for Accidents

Have a printed or laminated emergency folder that lives in your glove box or with your wallet. In it, include:

• Emergency contacts
• A copy of your ID and insurance
• A short medical history
• A copy of your will or funeral wishes
• Notes about pets, storage units, or rig access

If you’re tech-savvy, generate a QR code linked to a digital folder on Google Drive, Dropbox, or Everplans. Share access with someone in your Home Circle.

You can even use a “dead man’s switch” service like MyWishes, Cake, or Google Inactive Account Manager to trigger alerts if you haven’t checked in.

6. Use ICE Contacts & Medical Info

• Program “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) contacts into your phone with full names and relationships.
• Enable your phone’s lock screen medical ID. (iPhone: Health App > Medical ID. Android: Settings > Safety & emergency.)
• Keep a laminated emergency card in your wallet or attached to your rig keys.
• Include allergy and medication info on your person.

7. Check-In Habits Matter

Daily check-ins aren’t just for solo travelers. They’re for anyone living mobile. Set up a routine with a friend or family member. Apps like Snug or Noonlight are great for automation, but a quick daily text works just as well.

Better yet—buddy up with another nomad. Check in with each other regularly.

8. Let Someone Track You (Lightly)

Even if you’re privacy-focused, choose at least one trusted person to have your location. Use Life360, Google Maps, or Apple’s Find My. You don’t have to broadcast your location to the world, just make sure someone could find you if needed.

9. Keep Hard Copies

Your phone can die. Your signal can disappear. Don’t rely solely on digital access.

• Print a copy of your medical info
• Print your emergency plan
• Print your rig and pet info

Stick it in a waterproof folder somewhere obvious in your rig.

Don’t Wait

Emergencies don’t RSVP. You don’t want your loved ones guessing what you wanted or fighting over your stuff. You’ve already chosen a unique path—make sure the end of it reflects who you are, too.

Having a clear plan is one of the most loving, generous gifts you can leave behind.

Talk to your Home Circle. Write it down. Keep it where people can find it. And live each day knowing you’ve handled the hard stuff with courage.