September is traditionally the most active month for hurricanes.
But even if we aren’t hit with 100 mph winds and torrential downpours here, it’s a good time to remind you about being prepared for emergencies.
Local, state and federal authorities are sending out reminders to create an emergency preparedness kit with water and food, batteries, medications and more. Here are other things you can do that will help you be prepared for all sorts of emergency situations.
1. An emergency fund. Some websites recommend that you keep cash in your emergency kit, but it’s also a good idea for you to have an emergency fund built up at CommonWealth One. If something happens to your home, car or a loved one, it may take a while for insurance coverage to kick in. You’ll have expenses in the meantime, and having some money saved up to cover those can really help you avoid going into debt.
2. Insurance coverage. Make sure you’re insured properly! All it takes is a quick call to your insurance agent to ask a few questions about your coverage. Here are a few of the questions you should be asking about your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and car insurance:
- Do you need flood insurance on your home? Do you have water damage insurance (which is separate and different from flood insurance)?
- Does your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance include reimbursement for a hotel or other housing if needed?
- Do you have gap coverage on your vehicle?
- Does your insurance include a rental vehicle if you need it?
- How much are your deductibles, and is that a cost you can cover easily from your emergency fund?In addition, you should look carefully at (and ask questions about) your health insurance and life insurance policies, what they cover and whether it’s enough. Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people declare bankruptcy.
If you aren’t happy with what you’re paying or the coverage you have with your car, home (or rental) or life insurance, pop over to our website. We look out for our members with affordable and practical insurance solutions!
Finally, if you’re making an emergency kit, make sure you have your insurance company names, phone numbers and policy numbers handy.
3. Document organization. If a tragedy or emergency strikes, you won’t have the time or energy to go searching for important documents. Make sure you have copies of important documents (including insurance policies, wills and estate plans, drivers licenses, Social Security cards and more) in a safe location. You can buy a fireproof document box at your local hardware store or online for this purpose. Put it in a safe location where it is unlikely to get wet — and tell at least one other family member where that box is located.
We hope you never have an emergency or tragedy in your family. But if you do, we want you to be prepared! We hope you have a safe and healthy fall.
Learn More: Build Your Emergency Fund (banzai.org)
