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How ready are you? September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us to update our existing emergency plans or get started on setting ourselves up to be ready for unexpected emergencies. Without a plan, even a small disruption in our regular routine might become a disaster for our financial security. This month's financial tips offer resources for starting or updating your emergency preparedness plans.
- Emergencies and other disaster can be costly, but getting prepared doesn't have to be. Ready.gov offers this list of low- to no-cost actions to get you started on the road to emergency preparedness. Invest some time now and potentially avoid costly problems later.
- Emergency preparedness for older adults, particularly those with medical or mobility issues, is extremely important. Being prepared can literally be a matter of life or death in an emergency or severe weather event.
- Creating a home inventory can be a daunting task, but now there’s an app for that! Create a list of your belongings, upload photos, and even scan barcodes. Learn more about using the Home Inventory app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Have you relocated to a new state recently? Check the site of the insurance commission of your home state to learn about insurance requirements, emergency plans, disaster recovery, and other topics that are specific to the area. Here are some helpful sites for the states that make up the Sixth Federal Reserve District: Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
- Financial stability is a critical component of emergency preparedness and recovery. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers several tips to guide you before and after an emergency or disaster. Learn about establishing emergency savings, being aware of fraud, and protecting your finances and credit rights.