Russ Dalbey's Blog

We all watched helplessly as
the tsunami of December 2004 devastated so many, and closer to home, Hurricane
Katrina forever changed the face of one of America’s oldest cities. For many of
us, the memories of these catastrophes have faded, but the reality is that
emergencies can strike anywhere, at any time.

Would you know how to put
your life back in order if a hurricane or tornado hit your town? What about if
someone broke into your house and took everything you’ve worked so hard for?
And would you be able to put your life back together after a house fire?

These are just some of the
unexpected events that can change our lives instantly. Here are some steps to
help you prepare for the unexpected.

1) Gather important documents and
make copies to send to a friend or a relative who lives in a different area
(not someone who might be affected by the same disaster). 

• Adoption Certificates
• Advanced Directive & Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
• Bank Statements
• Birth Certificates
• Copies of prescriptions
• Credit Cards (copy front & back of each card)
• Driver’s Licenses
• Emergency Contact List
• Insurance Policies & Cards (life, health, home, auto, long term care, Medicare)
• Marriage Certificate
• Medical Records
• Military Records
• Passports
• Social Security Cards
• Trusts
• Wills

2)
Memorize your
Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your significant
other and children.

3) Take pictures and make a list of
everything significant that you own.

Open every drawer and closet
and take pictures of your possessions – don’t forget the attic and the garage
and any off-site storage facilities you have. Take pictures of trees, fences
and the exteriors of car(s) and your home. Having an up-to-date home inventory
will help you:

a. Purchase enough insurance to replace the things you own.
b. Get your insurance claims settled faster.
c. Substantiate losses for your income tax return.

4) Have emergency funds available and
accessible.

Check the terms of your
debit card. Make sure you have a card that allows you, even if you are outside
of the United States, to access your money.

Also, have the following items in case of emergency:

• An emergency credit card that you don’t use (so there will be plenty of available credit). Make sure you can take out cash advances!
• $200-300 emergency cash or Traveler’s Checks
• Extra personal checks

5) Make a spare set of keys for the home,
cars, boats and recreational vehicles.

6) Put all of these items and documents into a
waterproof/fireproof box or safe.

Remember,
you are not just preparing for the unexpected to happen. You are protecting
your future.

Warmly,

Russ
Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
The Dalbey Education Institute

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business