Bewitched's Samantha Stephens had magical powers — and she also had Gladys Kravitz surveilling her from across the street. While you could live without nosy neighbors, you wouldn't mind networking neighbors: someone to call if you can't make it home in time to meet the kids' bus, someone who'll take in your mail when you're on vacation, someone to trust with a set of keys. Who doesn't occasionally need someone to let in the electrician, sign for UPS deliveries, or, after an unusually frantic morning, go into your house and make sure that (1) the iron is turned off and (2) the bedroom isn't a pile of cinders?

The list of names, numbers, and notes lets you work your own kind of local magic. Essentially, it enables your neighbor to serve as your understudy: Something unexpected comes up, you can't show — and she steps in with the correct script (and insurance ID code and orthodontist number) in hand. If you get waylaid for whatever reason and can't pick up your son at school, your neighbor will know where his school is, who his teacher is, and what the secret word is, which lets him know it's OK to leave and get in the car with her. Of course, you don't need to have children for some snafu to derail your day. Couples without kids and single women need a fall-back plan, too — especially when, say, you lose your car keys at the mall. A quick call to the designated savior/neighbor, and your spare keys can be located in your home and brought to you. And those of you who have a parent or grandparent living with you can rest a little easier knowing that you have reinforcements you can rely on.

The information comes in handy whether you live in a house, a condominium, or an apartment, as complex managers, supers, and doormen can't be relied on for everything. After all, if your dog has been barking for hours, wouldn't you rather a neighbor let you know sooner rather than later? And because everything isn't always about you, if it were your neighbor's dog doing the barking, you'd want to help out, too.

The Details

Organize a handful of friends, neighbors, or relatives and deputize one another: You look out for them, and they look out for you.

Pass out blank copies of the plan to the people who've agreed to participate. Click on "Emergency Plan Worksheets" above and print out a copy to use. The first page by itself works if you're single or attached; the second page covers up to two kids and a parent or grandparent who lives with you or relies on you. You'll need another sheet for additional children or family members.

You don't want to broadcast your medical history to just anyone. You should thoroughly trust the people you're going to enlist. And even then, if you're not comfortable sharing some of this information, by all means leave those spaces blank.

Exchange the completed forms and go over them in person.

Put the sheets in a safe place, so you'll remember where to find them when you need them.