Our communities (Black, Latino, and underserved) are in a constant state of emergency 24/7.
How ever possible take the time and consider financial disaster planning. For when the time arises.
The hardest part may be keeping emergency cash handy.
BEMA International
Change
without Sacrifice is an Illusion. Lisa
Ellis
How ever possible take the time and consider financial disaster planning. For when the time arises.
The hardest part may be keeping emergency cash handy.
BEMA International
Portland,
Oregon.
Portland Bureau of Emergency Management.
Financial Preparedness.
Financial Preparedness
An important part
of building a kit is to include copies of important documents that can help
you be prepared financially for emergency situations. When disaster strikes,
having your financial documents in order will help sustain your family during
the emergency and streamline the recovery process. You may not be able to do
everything suggested below - and that's okay. Do what you can. Taking even
limited action now will go a long way toward preparing you financially before
a disaster strikes.
Evacuation Box
Buy a lockable,
durable box to grab in the event of an emergency. You don't have to wait
until you have a special box - even a cardboard box will do to get started. Put important documents in sealed,
waterproof plastic bags. Store the box
in your home where you can easily get to it. Keep this box with you if you are away from
home for an extended period, but don't leave it in an unattended vehicle.
Emergency Cash
After a disaster,
you may need cash for the first few days, or even several weeks. A disaster can shut down local ATMs and
banks. Keep a small amount of cash
and/or traveler's checks at home in a place where you can quickly get to
them, such as in your evacuation box. Money should be in small denominations
including a couple rolls of quarters.
Emergency Fund
Set aside money in
an emergency fund. This can be
difficult to do on a tight budget, but can be well worth the effort. The fund can be very helpful, not only in a
disaster, but in other financial crises as well. Keep your emergency funds in a safe, easily
accessible account, such as a passbook savings or money market account.
Credit
Try to keep your
credit cards paid off. You may have to draw on them to tide you over.
Consider Renting a Safe
Deposit Box
Safe deposit boxes
are invaluable for protecting originals of important documents. If you don't
have a safe deposit box, keep copies in your evacuation box and originals at
a separate location, such as with family or friends. Home safes and fire
boxes can be convenient places to store important papers. However, some
disasters, such as hurricanes, floods or tornadoes, could destroy your home.
It is usually better to store original papers in a safe deposit box or at
another location that is not likely to be affected by the same disaster. Keep
the key to the safe deposit box in your evacuation box.
Original Documents to Store
in a Safe Deposit Box
Professional Advice May be
Necessary
Depending on your
situation, you may need the advice of a professional financial advisor. There
is free financial counseling available when a disaster occurs, or you may
want to hire your own professional advisor.
When selecting a financial
advisor, ask for recommendations from family or friends.
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Black Emergency Managers Association
International
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1231 Good Hope Road S.E.
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Washington, D.C. 20020
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Office: 202-618-9097
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bEMA International
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