Financial Friday Newsletter

Whether you’re talking about blizzards, tornadoes or hurricanes, severe weather happens everywhere. Residents who have lived in Oklahoma for a while know how quickly a normal rain storm can turn into something severe. The difference is, they have learned, you can’t control nature but you can be prepared. Consider taking these steps to prepare for severe weather season today:

Make a plan. The worst thing you can do in the middle of a disaster is panic. So, prepare for it while there isn’t one. Create a safety plan and practice it with your whole family so everyone knows what to do. To start creating your plan, being sure to discuss these five questions:

• How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings? Remember, electronics may not work.
• Where will we go to find shelter?
• What is our evacuation route?
• Where should we meet if we’re not all together before the disaster occurs?
• What is our communication plan?

Designate an out-of-state check-in contact. Many times, during a natural disaster, cell towers can go down and lines may ring busy. If your family is separated during an emergency, you may be more successful calling family or friends long-distance than trying to reach someone within a disaster area when cell phone coverage may be spotty. Visit Ready.gov to download the Family Emergency Communication Plan.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit.  The supplies you’ll need will often be the hardest to find in the aftermath of a storm or other disaster. It’s a good idea to include at least 3 days’ worth of supplies in your kit. To relieve some of the strain on your bank account, plan to assemble your kit by purchasing/collecting your items over a few weeks’ time. Check out these lists from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Ready.gov.

Consider the needs of everyone in the household. If disaster strikes, you may have to leave at a moment’s notice and you may not return for a while. Account for the needs of infants, the elderly or disabled members of your household. Round up a ready supply of items necessary for their care, preferably an all in one box or suitcase. Keep medications and first aid equipment in a designated place that can be accessed quickly by an adult in the household. Discuss and practice each person’s responsibilities for assisting others, including pets.

Have an emergency fund. Create an emergency fund—if you don’t already have one—and always consider keeping a small amount of cash on hand. During a disaster, your debit and credit cards may not work when you need to purchase supplies, fuel or food.

Check your insurance coverage. The worst thing to find out after a disaster is that you didn’t have the coverage on your belongings you thought you did. While things are just that—things—rebuilding after a disaster can cause severe financial strain if you aren’t prepared.

When you have a plan, the unknown of a severe weather disaster is a little less scary. So, don’t wait. Start preparing today.