Seven Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31, the American Bankers Association is encouraging customers to prepare for hurricane season by assessing their home's risk and developing emergency plans to protect against a potential storm.   

"When a storm hits, customers have plenty to worry about – the availability of banking services and the safety of their deposits shouldn't be one of them," said Frank Keating, ABA president and CEO. "The banking industry prepares diligently to ensure access isn't compromised during a natural disaster."   

Banks of all sizes take a number of preventative measures to enhance safety during emergencies, including developing extensive recovery plans, educating employees on best practices in an emergency and staying actively involved in the community to identify the need for assistance after the storm.

To make sure your household is as safe as your bank, ABA offers the following tips:

• Know your risk. FEMA's map service center will show you the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage  you will need since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding.
• Assemble an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, at least three days of non-perishable foods and water, towels and a supply of any necessary medications. Stay informed of the storm's path and progress by monitoring Wireless Emergency Alerts via text message and having a battery-powered radio or TV available.
• Develop a family communications plan. Know how you will contact one another; how you will get back together, if separated; and what you will do in different situations. Having a plan can eliminate some of the stress and confusion.
• Establish an evacuation route. Prior to a storm, contact your local American Red Cross to locate the shelter nearest you or download their Shelter Finder App. Identify the safest route to get there. Be sure to check if your local emergency shelter allows animals and family pets.
• Secure your home. Outdoor furniture and other objects can pose a potential hazard. Turn off propane tanks and other utilities if instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
• Protect financial documents.  In the event of a disaster, you will need identification and financial documents to begin the recovery process.  Safeguard important documents in a bank safety deposit box, computer storage devices (USB drive, CD/DVD), and/or waterproof storage containers, including:
  • Personal identification (driver's licenses, birth certificates, military IDs, passports, etc.)
  • Financial account information (checking, savings, retirement and investment accounts, credit/debit cards).
  • Insurance policies on all personal property, including appraisals and lists and photos of valuable items.
  • Ownership or leasing documentation for homes and vehicles (deeds, titles, registrations, rental agreements, etc.)
  • All health and medical insurance documentation.
• Know the details of your insurance policy. Talk with your agent to determine if you have adequate coverage or if you need to reassess your plan. This is especially important if your property's flood map has changed.

The FEMA website, Ready.gov, offers tips on preparing for an emergency. FEMA offers a free app that is available for download through your smart phone. For more resources, visit the FEMA site: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For more consumer tips, visit aba.com/consumers.

SOURCE American Bankers Association