Pathways through Crisis or Catastrophes:
Be Ready to Help

San Gabriel Valley Chapter FPA

May 28, 2008

Disaster Recovery:  A Guide to Financial Issues

a publication made available by

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Foundation

National Endowment for Financial Education

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/FinRecovery

Natural Disasters: Fire, Earthquake, Flood, Etc.

Personal Disasters: Accident, Death, Injury, Divorce, Job Loss, Burglary, Identity Theft Etc.

Prevention:  NOW is the time to take steps to lessen the blow before it happens 

- Identity Theft
- Insurance:  Home (Flood, Earthquake) Auto,  
- Disability, Long-Term Care
- Know what you have and where it is – Make a list!  Pg 5  
- Include photos, video and/or digital records
- Keep it in a safe place (Bank Safe Deposit Box, Safe)
- Update annually (do it while getting tax info together)
- Reconstructing Records (just in case):  Page. 22.        
- Get a TEAM together – accountant, insurance agent,
  financial planner, tax pro
- Keep will, trust, durable powers, medical directives etc. up 
  to date and available
- Not fun, but get it over with!  Data Banks (docubank.com)
- Emergency funds
       Bank or Credit Union Savings, Paid off Credit Cards, 
       Equity Line

When the disaster occurs:

Notify interested parties

         - Creditors, Employers, Insurance Companies,
         - Schools, Financial Planner

Keep COPIES of everything you sign and all      conversations

     Ask QUESTIONS

            About benefits, options, time constraints

     Document EVERYTHING in WRITING

             - Phone calls

             - Names

             - Conversations

     Do NOT be pressured into making quick decisions

     Page 25 – Hiring Contractors

Remember:  Stop.  Take a deep breath.  Assess.  Get information.  Act rationally.