This blog is for educational purposes only, not an offer of credit or advertisement for current loan terms. It does not provide legal advice. Refer to our loan web pages or consult professional advisors for specific information.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Having a well-prepared emergency evacuation plan is essential in ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones during a hurricane. Here are some key points to consider when creating your evacuation plan:
- Identify Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area. Know the designated shelters and safe locations where you can seek refuge in case of evacuation.
- Plan Ahead: Discuss the evacuation plan with your family members, so everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a hurricane. Assign responsibilities to each family member, such as packing essential items and ensuring pets are taken care of.
- Emergency Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit filled with supplies such as nonperishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, important documents, and any necessary medications. Keep the kit in an easily accessible place.
- Secure Your Home: Before leaving, secure your property by boarding up windows and doors, moving outdoor furniture indoors, and turning off utilities if instructed to do so.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest weather forecasts and advisories from local authorities. Have a battery-powered radio or a reliable smartphone app to receive real-time information.
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Evacuate Early: If authorities issue evacuation orders, don't wait until the last minute to leave. Evacuate early to avoid traffic congestion and potential risks.
Remember, having a well-prepared evacuation plan can significantly reduce stress and ensure a safer experience during hurricane season.
Take Care of Urgent Financial Needs
It's important to keep some cash on hand in case ATM access or electricity is unavailable. Cash may be a necessary resource in order to purchase post-storm essentials, so be sure to store any cash in a safe place you know you can access. Take advantage of our convenient ATM locations or any Publix Presto! ATM, where MIDFLORIDA members can enjoy surcharge-free withdrawals.
Before a major storm makes landfall, gather comprehensive documentation of your finances, which will help streamline your ability to apply for any assistance programs if the need arises. You should secure all your important financial certificates and forms in a safe location, digital or physical, so that they're easily accessible and aren't misplaced due to the storm.
Lastly, ensure your financial obligations are settled before the storm. Pay any important bills, make necessary loan payments, and settle credit card bills ahead of time. You don't want to miss any payments due to lack of immediate access to the Internet or mail services.
Stay Protected Against Fraud
The hurricane season is a vulnerable moment for not only your physical assets, but your digital assets as well. With fraudulent cases known to increase amidst the hurricane season, you'll want to be aware of best practices in avoiding financial scams. Refrain from sharing personal information related to your bank accounts or other personal accounts with anyone.
Any unknown source asking you for personal information is likely trying to commit some kind of scam. To minimize stress, only share personal information when requested by an authorized source affiliated with your financial institution. MIDFLORIDA will not contact you asking for any personal information, such as your Online Banking login or account number.
Be Prepared: Receive Fraud Alerts on your Debit or Credit Card
Ensure your phone number is current in your account profile to receive timely alerts. This will enable our card processors to promptly notify you of any potential fraud.
How to update your Phone Number for Fraud Alerts:
- Log in to Free Online Banking, navigate to your Profile and choose Contact Consent.
- You will see an option to update your information along with your communication preferences.
- Update your phone number to receive fraud alerts.
- If you're experiencing trouble, our Help Desk is available to assist you. Please give us a call at (863) 688-3733 or toll free at (866) 913-3733
Secure and Stock Your Shelter
Ensure your needs are taken care of during the hurricane by securing and stocking your shelter. You never know how long you'll be without access to the grocery store, so it's vital to have a substantial stock of food and water in your shelter.
FEMA recommends having a three-day supply of nonperishable food for each person in your home. Similarly, ensure you have a three-day supply of water, equating to one gallon per person, per day. Keep a supply of non-electric utensils available to easily access your food supply. Stock up on supplies proactively, avoiding last-minute rushes when stores may have low inventory and high demand as the storm approaches.
Prepare with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union can help you take financial precautions and better prepare you for any incoming storms. Keep your extra cash handy and stay on top of your finances no matter where the Florida summer takes you by downloading our mobile app. Stay safe and financially smart during this year's hurricane season! For more information about MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, please contact us. Additionally, for up-to-date storm announcements during storm activity, visit our Storm Updates page.
