There's more to disaster preparedness than keeping an emergency supply kit. You also need to prepare financially. April is Financial Preparedness Month, so why not start now?
Being financially prepared for an emergency includes having a plan to access your assets, keeping your financial records and important documents in order, and obtaining adequate insurance coverage. Businesses and financial institutions must also take steps to be financially resilient in case of an emergency.
Here are some Federal Reserve and U.S. government resources to help businesses and consumers prepare financially.
Resources for consumers
- Katrina's Classroom: Teaching Money Skills for Life
This four-part curriculum teaches students about personal finance concepts with an underlying theme of emergency and financial preparedness. The lessons are built on the personal stories of several teens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. - Disaster Financial Readiness and Recovery Blueprint
This resource from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has specialized resources for consumers and small business owners. Resources include forms to document your financial information in one place and checklists to help you prepare for an emergency. The forms are also available in Spanish. - MyMoney.gov
This federal government website provides information on how to protect your financial situation. Learn how to build emergency savings, keep your financial records in order, and make sure you have enough insurance to meet your needs.
Resources for businesses and financial institutions
- Crisis Preparedness
This program is designed for depository institutions and first responders, focusing on the vital role of banks in the aftermath of a disaster. The DVD draws on the experiences of bankers who lived through crisis situations and shares emergency preparedness tips. - Planning Makes Perfect
The Federal Reserve Banks offer some best practices for how business continuity planners can prepare for natural and manmade disasters, including assembling evacuation packets and confirming contingency site arrangements.