Hurricanes aren’t an unusual event for Floridians. Many of us know our evacuation zones, have the JaxReady app downloaded on our devices and have bottled water and nonperishable food stocked so we’re ready when a hurricane heads our way.
There are also things you can do to protect your finances and your personal information before a hurricane strikes. A severe hurricane can cause devastating, long-lasting effects, so it is critical to make sure your finances are in order. Here are some tips for getting ready.
Keep Your Information and Documents Safe
Store your important documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, military records and passports inside a waterproof bag or container in a safe place, so they’re ready to go if you need to evacuate. It’s also a good idea to make a copy of the contents of your wallet and keep them with your important documents.
Make sure you have backups for your computers and smartphones, so you don’t lose important documents or sentimental items like family photos. You can use an encrypted online service that’s stored in the cloud, which lets you retrieve your files from anywhere.
If you need to evacuate, be sure to protect your information. Whether you’re at a shelter, staying with friends or crashing on your family’s couch, keep track of your documents so they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
Set Aside an Emergency Fund, and Some Cash
Make sure you have emergency money set aside in case you are required to evacuate. It should be easily accessible from a savings or checking account so you can get to it when you need it.
Power outages could make it difficult to use your debit and credit cards or the ATM. Keep some cash on hand, especially small bills.
And don’t wait until the last minute to withdraw cash from your account. Lines are long at grocery stores in the days leading up to a hurricane, and the same goes for financial institutions. Beat the rush and get your cash early.
Automate Your Banking
Automated deposits and payments can free up time and energy to make other important hurricane preparations. Mail delivery is often delayed during a natural disaster, so it makes sense to sign up for services like direct deposit and Online & Mobile Banking. If you have to evacuate, you don’t want to waste precious time mailing in your bill payments. And if you have checks to deposit, you can always use the VyStar Mobile Banking App.
Review Your Insurance Policies
Talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have enough coverage for your property, your vehicles and your family in the event of a hurricane. Some policies require at least 30 days to take effect, so it’s important to get started before there’s a hurricane on the horizon.
It’s also smart to create a home inventory before disaster strikes. Having a record of your possessions, along with photos and receipts, makes it much easier if you need to submit a claim to your insurance.
In Florida, tropical weather and hurricanes are a part of everyday life. Being financially prepared in advance will help you rest easier.