September is national preparedness month

by Center for Personal Finance editors

NEW YORK (8/31/06)--A year after the devastation of Katrina, many people still haven't taken the necessary precautions to prepare for a possible emergency situation or protect their financial records from any kind of disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hopes to change that during National Preparedness Month in September (Money Sept. 2006).

Have you planned for the possibility that your family may not be together when the disaster strikes? How will you contact one another? Have you asked about emergency plans at work, at the daycare, and at your child's school?

The key messages of the month-long campaign: Get prepared, and get involved. Not sure where to start? Visit ReadyAmerica.gov for checklists, brochures, how to make a plan, and check out information targeted to seniors, people with disabilities, and pet owners.

Start with important documents. Keep copies of the following financial documents handy�and in a water proof container�in case you need to leave your house quickly:

Family records Medical records Wills Deeds Social Security number Credit union and credit card accounts information Tax records Medical insurance and Medicare cards (photocopy)

Make sure that a family member or friend has copies of these documents, and include the names and contact information of your support network and medical providers.

Visit the Web site for links for preparing consumers, businesses, and kids. Do it now. Talk to your family and get organized before you're faced with an emergency of any kind.

For more information, read "Disaster-Proof Your Important Papers" in the Home & Family Finance Resource Center money savvy section.