Hurricane Safety Tips: Protecting Your Family and Finances

Hurricane season can bring uncertainty, but a little preparation can go a long way in protecting what matters most. From safeguarding important belongings to ensuring you have access to your finances during an evacuation. When a hurricane is approaching, most people focus on stocking up on supplies and securing their homes. While those steps are important, it’s equally important to protect your financial well-being and valuable possessions before severe weather strikes.

Store Valuables in a Safe Place

Hurricanes can cause flooding, wind damage, and extended power outages, putting important documents and treasured items at risk. Consider securing items such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, property records, family heirlooms and other irreplaceable valuables before a storm threatens.

A safe deposit box can provide an added layer of protection for important documents and small valuables. However, it’s important to remember that safe deposit boxes may not be accessible during and immediately after a storm if branches are closed, roads are impassable or authorities restrict access to affected areas. Keep copies of essential documents and any items you may need during an evacuation readily available. Members should also review their branch’s safe deposit box policies and access requirements in advance.

Protect Your Finances Before Hurricane Season

Financial preparedness is just as important as physical preparedness. Consider taking these steps before a storm arrives:

• Review your insurance coverage and keep policy information accessible.
• Save digital copies of important financial documents.
• Keep emergency cash on hand in case power outages affect payment systems.
• Monitor your account balances and available credit.
• Verify that your contact information is up to date with your financial institution.

It’s also important to know that standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is generally purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Review your coverage before hurricane season to ensure you have the protection your household may need.

Be Financially Ready for an Evacuation

When local officials issue an evacuation order, acting quickly is essential. Along with your emergency kit, be sure to bring:

• Identification and insurance information
• Debit and credit cards
• Checkbooks, if needed
• Account information for quick reference
• Mobile devices and chargers

Remember, your financial institution should remain accessible even if you’re far from home.

Campus Federal Goes Where You Go

If a hurricane evacuation takes you away from home, your credit union services don’t have to stay behind. Campus Federal members have access to a nationwide network of Credit Union Service Centers (CUSC), making it easier to manage your finances wherever you may need to go. 

Through participating service center locations across the country, you’ll have options for accessing funds, making transactions and managing your finances. This added convenience can be especially valuable during severe weather events when travel plans change unexpectedly.

Before hurricane season arrives, take a few minutes to locate a service center along potential evacuation routes or near destinations where you may stay. When the unexpected happens, you can have peace of mind knowing that Campus Federal follows you wherever you go. 

Be Ready Before the Storm Arrives

Review your emergency preparedness and financial plans before the next storm threatens. Severe weather can affect power, communications, transportation and facility operations. Members should prepare multiple access options before a storm and not rely on any single service channel. Having a backup plan can help reduce disruptions and provide greater peace of mind during an evacuation. With the right preparation, you can focus on what matters most, keeping your family safe and secure throughout hurricane season.