Has Your Family Had A “Death Drill?”

By: Attorney Laurie Brewis

Most families have fire drills. Some even practice tornado or emergency drills. But have you ever held a “Death Drill”?

It may sound scary, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your loved ones.

What Is a Death Drill?

A “Death Drill” (also known as a “What if…” drill) is a way for families to prepare for the unexpected. The idea is simple: walk your family through what would happen if you suddenly passed away or were incapacitated.

• Where are important documents like your trust, will, and powers of attorney stored?
• Who are the first people to call?
• Does your family know your wishes for medical decisions or funeral arrangements?

Having answers to these questions reduces fear and ensures your loved ones are equipped to handle the unknown.

Why It Matters

When my husband and I first introduced this idea at the dinner table, we realized our kids didn’t know where critical documents were kept—or who to contact if something happened to us. That moment reinforced the importance of these conversations.

Far from being morbid, talking openly about death can be an act of love and security. It gives children a sense of safety and prepares them for life’s hardest moments.

In my own childhood, I vividly remember my parents telling me and my siblings that if anything happened to them, we would live with our Aunt Joyce and Uncle Oliver. That single conversation gave me peace, knowing my parents had a plan.

How to Run a Death Drill With Your Family

Here are a few simple steps to get started:

• Locate and Review Documents
  • Trusts, wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, financial records.
  • Share where these are stored and how they can be accessed.
• Secure Digital Access
  • Make sure your family has a way to access important passwords, accounts, and digital records.
• Create a Contact List
  • List out who should be called first, along with their phone numbers.
  • Keep this list both digitally (in phones) and as a hard copy with your estate documents.
• Assign Roles
  • Who will notify friends and family?
  • Who will manage financial tasks (durable power of attorney)?
  • Who will speak with healthcare providers (healthcare advocate)?
• Make It Age-Appropriate
  • Even teenagers can understand the basics.
  • As soon as your children turn 18, they should also have basic estate planning documents of their own.

Turning Fear Into Family Unity

Instead of being grim, a Death Drill should be approached as a family-building exercise. These conversations strengthen bonds, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your wishes are clear. Families that normalize these talks often grow closer—facing life and death with courage rather than fear.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At The TGQ Law Firm, we believe planning is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. Our team can help you:

• Create or update your estate plan.
• Ensure your documents are in order.
• Even walk through a “Death Drill” with your family so everyone feels prepared.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take one of the most loving steps you can for your family’s future.