Experts agree that homeowners and renters should have a preparedness plan. Joan Jensen, president and CEO of Central Credit Union of Illinois was in our ABC7 studio to offer strategies and precautions.
- 1. Create an Important Numbers List
- Maintain a thorough record of important account numbers and company contacts.
- Checking and Savings
- Mortgage and Insurance
- Titles and Wills
- Pension
- Medical History and Prescriptions
- Auto and Student Loans
- Credit Cards - Include phone numbers for branches that lie outside your immediate geographic area.
- Keep back up paper copy off site.
- 2. Document Belongings
- Create a comprehensive visual record of your family's personal belongings.
- Itemize possessions with serial numbers and purchase information. Record with pictures and video.
- Update the list annually or as you purchase new items. Keep a back-up paper copy off site.
- 3. Determine Values
- Research current replacement costs for all your property and belongings.
- Check to see that you have adequate insurance coverage.
- Maintain updated professional appraisals for jewelry and other heirlooms.
- 4. Plan the Who When Where
- List important contact information (family, friends, doctors, attorneys, insurance representatives, financial institutions, businesses providing services to your household, FEMA and other disaster relief numbers).
- Establish a prearranged meeting spot and communication plan for reuniting your family.
- Keep an emergency fund (cash, liquid assets, line of credit, credit cards).
- Research possible temporary housing locations.
- Keep master copies of important information in a central location at home and another copy off site some distance from your home.
