72-Hour Grindstone Family Readiness Guide
FINANCES
When it comes to emergencies, Americans face more than just earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. We also deal with flat tires, broken water heaters, and sudden medical expenses. Both big disasters and unexpected bills take time, money, and resources away from other priorities. So why aren’t we doing more to get prepared?
In our journey to prepare for a storm, we’ve already covered the basics like food, water, medical and housing. Those supplies are essential, but there is another part of preparedness that is easy to overlook: making sure your family can access money and important financial information after the storm passes.
Even when local businesses reopen, power outages and interrupted internet service may prevent them from accepting debit or credit cards. ATMs may be unavailable, and banking apps may not work. Keeping a modest amount of emergency cash in a secure, waterproof location can help your family purchase necessities such as fuel, ice, food, medication, or temporary lodging.
Small bills are especially useful because stores may not be able to make change. There is no single amount that will work for every household. Consider what your family might reasonably need to cover essential expenses for three days. Emergency cash should support the supplies you already have, not replace your stored food, water, medicine, and fuel.
It is also helpful to have more than one way to pay. Depending entirely on one debit card or banking app could leave you without access to your money. A second payment card or a credit card reserved for emergencies can provide another option. Whenever possible, avoid keeping every card, document, and source of cash in the same place.
After a disaster, you may also need to contact your bank, insurance company, employer, landlord, mortgage company, or utility providers. Important telephone numbers and account information should be written down because you may not be able to access them through your phone or computer. We have included a downloadable PDF check list to help you gather all the needed information in one place.
Do not include passwords, PINs, or complete account numbers on a sheet that could easily be lost or seen by someone else. Keep sensitive information protected in a waterproof container and consider storing secure copies in more than one location.
Once it is safe to inspect your property, photograph or record any damage before beginning cleanup. Save receipts for lodging, food, fuel, supplies, cleanup costs, and temporary repairs. Keep a written record of telephone calls, claim numbers, names, dates, and instructions.
This information may be needed by your insurance company or an assistance agency later.
Unfortunately, disasters can also attract scammers. Be cautious of unexpected callers, visitors, contractors, or anyone demanding an immediate financial decision. Verify identities independently, read contracts carefully, and be wary of large upfront payments.
FEMA representatives do not charge an application fee, and legitimate agencies will not require payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
If you referrer back to week one of the 72-hour Preparedness Guide - Important Documents, we discussed keeping copies of important documents safely stored to the first days after a disaster much easier. Identification, insurance cards, vehicle information, medication records, property documents, and applicable custody or guardianship papers may be needed to obtain lodging, refill prescriptions, file an insurance claim, or apply for assistance. Now is a great time to go over that list again and include any new information which may be needed.
Place it in a waterproof pouch or secure container with:
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Emergency cash in small bills
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Copies of identification and insurance cards
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Important financial and insurance telephone numbers
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A list of automatic payments coming due
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Paper for recording expenses and claim information
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A pen and a small envelope for receipts
You do not have to solve every possible financial problem in advance.
The goal is to make sure your family can purchase immediate necessities, access important information, document losses, and protect its resources during the first uncertain days after a storm.
Preparedness is an act of stewardship. A little planning today can provide stability and peace of mind when life is suddenly disrupted.
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