Are you ready for a disaster?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (under attack from Congressional Republicans) is a terrific resource and consumer watchdog. Check out their resources:

Featured topic: Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

When a catastrophe like Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane Irma happens, people's lives can be turned upside down. During these tough times, it may be difficult to know who to trust and where to look for guidance and assistance, as well as what financial steps to take.  Even if your area isn’t affected this time, you may want to help the people you serve to prepare for upcoming catastrophes or just for their peace of mind.  Here are some tools and resources that can help.

1.      Disaster Recovery Resources 

These are a few organizations that can help immediately after a natural disaster:

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website will help people find up–to-date resources and information.
• The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP) can provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a way to access and apply for disaster assistance.

2.  Tips for securing homes and finances after a disaster

After the most urgent needs are addressed, people can start thinking about financial obligations and issues, especially if they have experienced damage to their home or property. We have five steps people can take to help secure their home and finances:

·         Contact your insurance company

·         Register for assistance with  www.DisasterAssistance.gov

·         Contact  your mortgage servicer

·         Contact your credit card companies and other lenders

·         Contact your utility companies

To get more details on these tips and other actions people can take to recover from disasters, go to our blog on disaster recovery.

3.   Your Disaster Checklist

The CFPB has a Disaster Checklist to help consumers consolidate the information needed —including account numbers, personal records and financial record— to avoid problems and recover faster after a disaster.

4.  Scams and identity theft

While many people pull together during times of crisis, there is also an increased risk for scams and fraud. The CFPB has tips to avoid scams after a disaster that you can explore here.

5. Upcoming Webinar

Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Thursday, September 28, 2017

2:00-3:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Join us for a webinar to learn about disaster preparedness from a financial standpoint. On this webinar, we will discuss tools and resources available from the CFPB and other federal agencies to help consumers prepare for and cope with the financial aspects of disasters. 

Step 1:  To join the September 28^th webinar, please go to the following link at the time of the webinar:

https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PWXW5550531&p=4791947&t=c 

(Note that this webinar link will not be live until the day of the webinar).

Step 2:  Listen to the audio by dialing 888-795-5920 and entering participant passcode 4791947.

(Note:  you must dial in via the conference line.  There is no audio available via Webex.)