Disaster response should be quick, resolute, and almost instinctive in its precision. Aside from emergency kits, there is another important yet often overlooked provision that is best secured and accessible at all times.
Below is a handy model upon which to pattern your own personal list:
SAVINGS
- Is your ATM card, credit card, and bankbook tucked in your wallet or placed somewhere easily accessible?
- Is your account number jotted down or saved in your mobile phone or handheld gadget?
- Are you aware of how much disposable income (cash you can withdraw) you have stashed away?
- More importantly, do your accounts always have available and withdrawable balances? Are you able to keep your credit cards within limits and not always maxed out?
- Do you have the hot line (almost always toll free) number of your bank?
INSURANCE
- Are important insurance papers such as your policy contract properly stored, where it is safe from fire, flood, and earthquake?
- Is your insurance coverage up to date? Are your premiums updated?
- Do you have the contact information of your financial advisor and the company where you purchased your plan?
INVESTMENT
- Are proofs of your investment tucked away in a safe place, like a safety deposit box?
- Can you immediately liquidate your portfolio in case of extreme need? Try to strike a balance between assets that are easy to liquidate and those that take time to convert to cash.
- Are you familiar with your portfolio so that you can minimize, if not avoid losses when you need to redeem?
- Do you have the contact information of your financial advisor and the companies where you bought your shares?
Make sure you have these information at hand. Make your list. Post it in your wall. Keep it in your pocket. Place it on your refrigerator. After all, prevention is crucial, but preparation is essential.
