Hurricane Preparedness: Protect Your Home, Family & Finances
Hurricane season is a good reminder to make sure you’re ready before a storm is headed your way. A little preparation now can help make things a lot less stressful if severe weather does affect your area.
That includes more than stocking up on food and water. Taking a few simple steps to prepare your home, family, and finances can help you handle unexpected expenses, protect important information, and recover more quickly after a storm.
- Build an emergency fund
Unexpected expenses can add up quickly after a storm, from temporary lodging and transportation to food, repairs, and insurance deductibles. Setting aside even a small amount regularly can help create a financial cushion when you need it most. - Keep important documents safe
Store copies of important documents such as identification, insurance policies, financial account information, and property records in a secure, waterproof location. It’s also a good idea to keep encrypted digital backups that you can access if physical copies are damaged or unavailable - Review your insurance coverage
Take time to understand what your homeowners, renters, auto, and flood insurance policies cover. Know your deductibles, coverage limits, and which types of storm-related damage may or may not be included. Reviewing your coverage before a storm arrives can help prevent surprises later. - Prepare an emergency kit
Stock up on essentials such as water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, portable chargers, and other necessities. Keep your vehicle fueled or charged, and make sure everyone in your household knows your evacuation routes and emergency plan. - Watch out for disaster-related scams
Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of emergencies. Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, insurance company, contractor, or charitable organization who pressures you for immediate payment or asks for sensitive financial information. When in doubt, verify who you’re dealing with before sharing information or sending money.
