Following a disaster, starting your financial recovery process quickly and efficiently depends on having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records. Take time to collect important records and ensure you have the documentation needed in the event of an emergency.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends including financial preparedness in your emergency preparedness efforts. The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a joint publication from Operation Hope and FEMA, can help you prepare financially and provide tips to reduce the impact disasters can leave you with financially.
Use the EFFAK as a guide while storing important documents.
Download at www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
- Gather identification information for all members of your family, such as photo IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, military service IDs, and pet ID tags.
- Gather financial documents including record of housing payments, insurance policies, sources of income, and tax statements.
- Medical documents should include physician information, copies of health insurance cards and policies, immunization records, and medications.
- Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis.
Supplies
- The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) and the necessary documents for you and your family
- Water: Continue to build your water supply.
- Food: Continue to add to your supply of non-perishable food
- Cash: Add cash to your kit Keep cash in small bills.
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
RESOURCES
- Ready.gov www.ready.gov/ financial-preparedness
- Oregon.gov www.oregon.gov/OEM/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx
- FEMA.gov www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/96123
One Step Ahead
Plan an Emergency Outfit — Emergencies can happen at any time, including when you’re asleep. Get one step ahead by placing an emergency outfit with your go-bag.
Make sure all garments are made of cotton or wool so they breathe well and can burn off without melting, in case of fire. Have all members of your household prepare an emergency outfit. Your emergency outfit should include:
- A pair of shoes or boots that provide good traction in all weather
- Pants (not shorts)
- Long-sleeved t-shirt
- Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Handkerchiefs/bandanas to cover your face
- Goggles, to protect eyes from smoke/dust