Severe storms can disrupt our plans and cause significant damage to our homes and communities. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or severe thunderstorm, being physically and financially prepared is crucial to weathering the storm and minimizing its impact on your life. Let’s look at some practical steps you can take to keep you, your family, and your home safe during any storm.
Physical Preparations
- Create an emergency kit. One of the most critical steps in preparing for a storm is assembling an emergency kit. This kit should include essentials such as: non-perishable food and water (enough for at least three days), flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first-aid supplies, medications, and any necessary medical devices, blankets, clothes, hygiene products, and basic tools.
Recommendation: Consider using your QCB Visa Card to pay for your needs. And you may also get an extra benefit by earning rewards. See details.
- Store important documents. Keep your essential documents, such as passports, insurance papers, etc., in a waterproof container that you can access no matter the circumstance.
Recommendation: Consider opening a safety deposit box at Quail Creek Bank to help keep documents secure and safe. Please stop by our branch to get started.
- Secure your home. Your home is your sanctuary; protecting it before a storm hits can prevent costly damages. Here are some actions you can take: inspect your roof and gutters, clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water build-up, trim trees near your home and remove dead branches, and secure outdoor items (e.g., patio furniture, grills, etc.). If necessary, you may also need to protect your windows with storm shutters or plywood.
Recommendation: If you need to repair your roof or make other upgrades, consider using a Personal Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit from QCB. Learn more.
- Check your generator. If you have a generator, ensure it is in working order and that you have enough fuel to last through potential power outages.
Recommendation: Consider purchasing a new generator with a loan from QCB. Get details.
- Develop a Family Communication Plan. Storms can disrupt normal communication channels, so it’s essential to have a plan in place for staying in touch with your loved ones. Establish a meeting point, designate an out-of-town contact person, and ensure that everyone knows how to reach each other in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to include your pets in the plan—make sure you have a safe place for them and enough supplies to last through the storm.
Financial Preparations
In addition to the physical preparation for a storm, consider the following ways to prepare financially:
- Review and update your insurance policies. Talk to your insurance agent about your existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy to ensure it covers storm-related damages, such as flooding, wind, and hail. Consider adding flood insurance if you don’t already have it, as many standard policies do not cover flood damage. Additionally, inventory your belongings, document valuable items with photos or videos, and store this information in a safe place.
- Create an emergency savings fund. An emergency savings fund is essential for covering unexpected expenses from storm damage, such as temporary lodging, repairs, or medical costs. Aim to set aside at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. QCB offers several savings accounts designed to help, including high-yield savings and money market accounts, offering competitive interest rates. Additionally, when you sign up for our Q-UP Program, we’ll automatically round up your transaction to the nearest dollar and transfer your change to your Quail Creek Bank savings account every time you buy something using your Quail Creek Bank debit card. Learn more about our savings options.
- Have emergency credit available to use. If you need to make repairs or cover other storm-related expenses, having access to credit can provide peace of mind. QCB offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and credit cards that can be used for emergency expenses. These options offer flexible repayment terms and competitive rates, helping you manage the financial impact of a storm without overwhelming your budget. Learn more.
Storms can be unpredictable and potentially devastating, but with proper preparation, you can protect yourself, your family, and your finances. Quail Creek Bank is here to support you every step of the way with a range of products and services designed to help you prepare for the unexpected. Don’t wait until the next storm is on the horizon—start preparing today.
