It’s time for disaster planning now that severe weather season is upon us. Disaster preparedness may not be your primary focus if you have been fortunate enough to avoid flooding, tornadoes, or hurricanes in the past. It should still be a top priority.

Even if flights are cancelled, you still need to have a plan. Who will take care of the pets? To avoid late fees, who will mail your bills?

Plan now to avoid a crisis.

– Give a relative or friend the key to your house. You can then program their phone number into your phone. Your friend can take care of your pets if you’re out of town and keep your mail and newspapers safe. If there is a major emergency, your friend might have to go to your home to rescue you and your loved ones.

Register to automatically pay your bills every month via Direct Payment. Automatic bill payment means that your bills will be paid even if there is no internet access or power for several days. This will make sure that important bills get paid in the event of a major catastrophe. This can help prevent insurance coverage lapses and minimize the possibility of your home being foreclosed on.

In case of a power outage or major disaster, you might want to research the hotel options in your vicinity to find someone who will allow pets to stay. Do not rely on the kindness of a friend, as they may be in the exact same situation.

If Direct Deposit is not for you, sign up today. Even if your money is delayed in the airport due to a snowstorm, it will be available in your account each pay day. If you are stuck on the roads for days and require cash, this could be a vital benefit. Your money will still be there in case of major disaster even if it is necessary to evacuate the area.

Learn how to remotely check your messages from your phone. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important messages, even if your travel delays or emergency evacuation leave you out of reach.

Visit this page to learn how you can sign up for Direct Deposit and Direct Payment. www.electronicpayments.org.