NewsUSA) Keep Your Head Above Water With Disaster Preparedness   Back

Even when flights are cancelled and you are unable to return home the same day - or for several days - you need a plan. Who will feed the pets? Who will mail your bills to avoid late fees?

Make planning a priority now, and these plans might help you in an everyday crisis.

- Give a family member or friend a key to your house. Then program his or her phone number into your cell phone. If you are stuck out of town, your friend can care for your pets and put your mail and newspapers inside to help prevent theft. In a major disaster, he or she might need access to your house to rescue you or your loved ones.

- Register to pay your bills automatically every month through Direct Payment. With automatic bill payment, your bills are paid even if you don't have access to a computer or if you are without electricity for days. In a major disaster, this will ensure that your important bills are paid even if mail service is interrupted. This can prevent lapses in insurance coverage and potential for foreclosure on your home.

- Research the hotels in your area now to see who accepts pets in case you can't stay in your house due to major disaster or a simple power outage. Don't rely on a friend's hospitality, because they might be in the same situation.

- If you are one of the few people who don't use Direct Deposit, sign up for it today. Even if you are stuck in an airport waiting out a blizzard, your money will always be deposited in your account on pay day. That could be vital if you are stuck on the road for days and need cash. In a major disaster, your money will be in the bank even if you are forced to leave town.

- Learn how to check messages from your home phone remotely. This way you won't miss anything urgent if you are stuck out of town due to travel delays or evacuation in an emergency situation.

For information on how to sign up for Direct Deposit or Direct Payment, visit www.electronicpayments.org.    Back