Google map with the trip route marked out,great idea.i just leave the lakes i'll pass thru or plan on camping at.some are big and would take some looking around.

That's great extra info to include.
Put yourself in the position of Mrs Blast at home:
- Blast said he'd be back on Sunday evening. Its 10:30 pm now and he's not back. What should I do ?

- Monday morning - he's still not back ! I don't want to seem a fool and call SAR if he's just running a bit late or decided to stay an extra night because he was too tired to drive.

-Oh look ! The note says to call the local ranger on "555 123 456" on Monday morning if he's not back. I'll call now ...

Writing some fairly specific instructions, even escalation instructions gives your family psychological "permission" to take action and to know what and when to do it.
If you are travelling with several people, give a home contact for each person, better than Mrs Blast saying to the SAR “He was travelling with someone called Aussie he met on the internet …”

Provide the phone numbers of the relevant authorities and contact details of the other people you are travelling with to make it as easy as possible for people to raise the alarm, or at least start the process.

If necessary nominate one person to be the primary point for coordination: Mrs Blast to check with Mrs Aussie, then call the Ranger …

I also include details such as the car description and rego; this means that a Ranger or SAR can quickly spot it if they need to, and Mrs Blast has the info to hand.
If there are possible alternative routes or plans, include them too eg “we may divert via big mountain if we’re ahead of scheule”, or “if the weather is bad, we’ll try and head to the town” … you get the picture.

"When to worry" Such a great idea. Also include you hiking buddy's cell and home numbers -- in case yours is out...

Mine includes car description and plate, driving route to/from TH, important pack contents, personal description and GPS waypoints if I have a specific route in mind.

Call the Sheriff time (with some margin for my own delays) is the most important.

I've gotten MUCH better about this in recent years.

A Basic Route Cards is one of the best things you can do. I don't leave home without taking a few minutes to ensure I will really be searched for in the right place, when I really need the help.

Link to Basic Route Card PDF

Does anyone still do the boot print on foil trick? I used to but got out of the habit.

no boot print here,that's more for the hiking gang.

Leaving a note is a great idea.

For an over night trip or a long backpack trip I tend to leave more info. For example, if my buddy has a medical condition that is important for SAR to know.

To take a look at a recommended form, please see the link below.

http://outdoorquest.biz/TripPlanV2.pdf

Blake

Very useful form - Thanks Blake.