Preparing (financially) for disasters

[khorrell]

I've been working on a post about being financially prepared for weather emergencies and other disasters. More importantly, we've got a hurricane headed our way. So far, all I can think of is having a stash of cash available. I'm off to do some research but I thought that our WB community might have some suggestions or first-hand experience.

Thanks.

[kav122]

Although this isn't a suggestion to have a wad of cash around, it is financially related:

The other "stuff" that you have been doing to prepare for disasters might be more beneficial than having money, per se. A gas heater, food, water, hand tools, ponchos, extra gas, and all of those other things *might* help your family when there are no stores to buy things.

Also, maybe you should think about making a copy of all of your important papers and either putting the original or the copy in a safe deposit box or at a different location than your house. I don't know whether it would be more beneficial to have the copy or the original in your possession, as I have never been in that situation.

[kav122]

This also might not be what you are looking for, but:

http://www.printablechecklists.com/checklist93.shtml

Here is a checklist for a first aid kit. There are lots and LOTS of checklists on that site that might spur your memory for something you have forgotten.

Also, take a home inventory of all of your things with pictures in case you need to turn that in to the insurance company.

[khorrell]

Thanks, kav, I hadn't seen that link. I put my post up here. I'm still hoping to learn more, and also get motivated to do the things I know are right. (Knowing is a lot easier than doing for me

[SouthShoreGirl]

Also look into flood insurance if it's available where you are a homeowner. There are "catches" though with this however so do your research. When I used to live in an apartment, I went out and got apartment insurance after 9/11 happened. Some people consider these things a waste, but they are good to look into IMHO.

[rolltimer]

When evacuating an area, having a travel plan would be better than just driving as far as you can and hunting a motel room or depending on government-sponsored buses and Red Cross shelters. There must be somewhere you'd like to visit a few states away out of the path of the hurricane. Forget yearly vacations. Take hurri-cations instead.

[khorrell]

Thanks for the ideas. I might have to go back and update my post!

[SouthShoreGirl]

Oh, DH and I just purchased a life insurance policy for the both of us. With a kid on the way, and living in a high-cost area, it gives us great peace of mind to know we would have some $$$ coming in to cover the mortgage in the event that something happened to one of us (we both kind of have to work to manage our mortgage and other monthly expenses).

[singleguymoney]

I hope you were one of the ones that evacuated and didn't try to stay around to weather storm!

[smallone]

We are a military family and one thing we are encouraged to do and I wish every family would do is have an evacuation plan and kit always available. The kit would have supplies and food and water to get you through a long period of time should you be without water. In it you also have copies of important papers, copies of IDs, etc. Of course most of the needed documents you'd have on hand but who knows when an emergency arises in the middle of the nite or something where you can;t get to the area your purse or wallet is at and need to leave immediately? this way you'd have a back up of all that information. In the kit, also keep a small version of your addressbook. Have non-perishable food and lots of water always on hand. I actually have an emergency suitcase-ready to go for anything...an unexpected hospital stay. a quick trip for family emergency, etc. That way clothes are already as well. Cash- yes do keep cash in your kit as well because depending on the emergency/disaster, who's to say ATMs and such will be functioning. Just always be on the safe side. I'm from TX so we always try to be prepared. Living in another country you also never know when you must evacauate so having a disaster plan is great no matter where you are. Even in areas that have never seen a disaster- be prepared!

this may be useful
http://www.operationhope.org/smdev/lf1.php?id=187