Get ready now for tornadoes, storms, floods, and other disasters. Having the right papers and plans in place can make a big difference when an emergency happens.
Keep Important Documents Safe
Gather important papers before a disaster. These include birth and death certificates; marriage licenses and divorce decrees; Social Security cards; driver’s licenses; passports; wills; deeds; homeowner’s, renter’s, vehicle and life insurance policies; tax records; and proof of where you live. People with military or immigration papers should keep those safe too.
Store these documents in a waterproof and fireproof box. Tell a trusted friend or family member where the box is kept. Or make copies and store them somewhere else, like a safe deposit box. Or take photos, documents and save them in a secure online account.
Plan Ahead With Estate Planning Documents
Make a plan for what should happen if you get very sick or pass away. This helps you and your family during a hard time. This is called estate planning. Estate planning uses special papers that explain your wishes. These papers include a will, a power of attorney, a living will, and funeral planning instructions. These documents help your loved ones know what to do and make it easier for them to handle legal and money matters.
A will explains who should receive your property. A power of attorney lets a trusted adult help you with bills and paperwork if you cannot do it yourself. A living will explains what medical care you want if you cannot speak. Funeral planning instructions help your family know your wishes.
Check Your Insurance Before Disaster Season
Homeowners, look at your homeowner’s insurance policy before disaster season begins. Make sure the policy is up to date and understand what it covers. Some policies do not cover things like floods, earthquakes, or sewer backups unless you buy extra protection. Check deductibles, coverage limits, and any rules that might affect how much money you can get after a storm. Keep a full copy of your policy in a safe place and take pictures or videos of your home before anything happens. This helps prove what your home looked like before the damage. Understand how to file a claim, how to contact your local insurance agent and insurance company, and what documents you will need.
Renters, look at your renter’s insurance policy . Remember that a landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal belongings. Renter’s insurance can help replace clothes, furniture, and electronics. Check deductibles, coverage limits, and any rules that might affect how much money you can get after a storm. Keep a full copy of your policy in a safe place and take pictures or videos of your personal before anything happens. This helps prove what your property looked like before the damage. Understand how to file a claim, how to contact your local insurance agent and insurance company, and what documents you will need.
Vehicle owners, look at your vehicle insurance policy. Remember that vehicle insurance covers natural disasters, but only if you carry Comprehensive Coverage on your policy. This covers non-collision events like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and wildfires, paying to repair or replace the car minus your deductible. Liability-only policies will not cover damage to your vehicle. Check deductibles, coverage limits, and any rules that might affect how much money you can get after a storm. Keep a full copy of your policy in a safe place and take pictures or videos of your vehicle(s) before anything happens. This helps prove what your vehicle looked like before the damage. Understand how to file a claim, how to contact your local insurance agent and insurance company, and what documents you will need.
Make a Household Plan
Identify local evacuation zones and routes and establish out-of-town meeting points if your family gets separated. Plan for your pets by keeping a crate, leash, ID tags, and extra pet food in your disaster supply kit. Learn how to quickly shut off your home's gas, electricity, and main water lines if you are instructed to do so.
Make a Disaster Supply Kit
Go here for a Disaster Supply Kit checklist.
