Disaster Assistance

MOTHER NATURE DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE
BE PREPARED IF DISASTER STRIKES

Even though natural disasters can and do occur anytime during the year, June officially marks the beginning of hurricane season. After surviving the initial unexpected crisis, many consumers find themselves struggling to recover financially, too. While none of us wants to imagine Mother Nature striking close to home, it does happen, and if consumers find themselves ill-prepared either through a lack of savings or being uninsured, another type of disaster awaits: financial ruin.

MOMENTIVE® Consumer Credit Counseling Service suggests the following financial-related tips to prepare for and manage an unpredictable and costly disaster:

* Check your insurance coverage. Speak with your agent to understand your existing coverage and deductible.
* If you own a home, consider buying full replacement or replacement cost coverage. If you rent, buy renter’s insurance.
* Have a complete household inventory in an offsite location.
* Put a family evacuation plan in place.
* Have access to ready cash.
* Rent a safe deposit box. Store originals and copies of important papers at an offsite location.
* Stop bills: notify utility companies and other service companies.
* Be prepared to rebuild your identity. Notify the three credit bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission that you have been affected by a natural disaster.

• Equifax 1-800-685-1111 • www.equifax.com
• Experian 1-800-397-3742 • www.experian.com
• TransUnion 1-800-888-4213 • www.transunion.com
• Federal Trade Commission 1-877-438-4338 • www.consumer.gov/idtheft

* Don’t be ashamed to seek assistance.
* Contact creditors. Review your financial situation and develop a realistic budget.
* Feel overwhelmed? Find relief through MOMENTIVE® Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

MOMENTIVE® Consumer Credit Counseling Service
888-711-7227
www.momentive.org to find the location closest to you

MOMENTIVE® Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a non-profit community service