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Financial Preparedness Planning

Financial Preparedness Planning

Protect your financial well-being before a disaster strikes. These 7 steps ensure you're ready to recover quickly when it matters most.

1

Gather Important Information

Collect all critical financial, personal, and household documents in one accessible location.

  • Bank accounts, property deeds, and tax records
  • Store digital copies securely and back up to the cloud
2

Create an Emergency Fund

Target 3–6 months of essential living expenses set aside specifically for emergencies.

  • Bank accounts savings combined with cash kept at home
  • Even $500 provides a meaningful cushion in a crisis
3

Obtain Adequate Insurance

Review your homeowners or renters, health, and life insurance policies to close coverage gaps.

  • Document possessions with photos or video for claims
  • Understand disaster-specific exclusions in your policy
4

Download the EFFAK

The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit from FEMA is a free, guided workbook to organize your finances before disaster.

  • Available at no cost on ready.gov
  • Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete
5

Stay Safe Online

Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and stay vigilant against phishing scams.

  • Monitor your credit report for signs of fraud after a disaster
  • Be especially cautious of post-disaster relief scams
6

Promote Financial Preparedness

Share preparedness resources with your workplace, school, and local community to build collective resilience.

  • Communities that prepare together recover faster
  • Encourage neighbors to complete their own EFFAK
7

Secure Important Documents

Store originals in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box and maintain encrypted digital backups.

  • Passports, birth certificates, and Social Security cards
  • Encrypted cloud backup ensures access even if physical copies are lost
Household Identification
Financial & Legal Documents
Medical Information
Insurance Records
Household Contacts
Get Benefits Electronically
Online Banking Setup

Financial preparedness starts with physical preparedness.

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