We’ve written a LOT about emergency preparedness and Philadelphia hurricane preparedness.
But there’s one thing above all others you need to prepare:
Cash!
You see in many emergency situation like hurricanes or floods, power lines go down and electricity stops.
And that stops the flow of clean water through pipes when pumps can’t work.
It also stops the ready flow of cash through ATM machines.
Most people rarely carry cash anymore. And, most people don’t carry their checkbooks with them either. Most of us rely on our debit cards.
It’s light, fast, and easy.
But the problem is, without cash on hand, if you need gas for your backup generator, the gas station might not have its electronic payment system running.
You won’t be able to purchase the fuel you need to keep your generator going.
And when electricity goes down, no one knows when it will be back up.
After Hurricane Sandy, thousands of homes were without electricity for weeks.
The other issue: A lot of folks don’t have an emergency fund. Many people struggle financially, living pay check to pay check. We’ve all been there!
But then, when an emergency event happens, they’re not able to access the services or supplies they need. All for want of cash.
Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting “an above normal” hurricane season with as many as 11 to 17 named storms this year. Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes. Four of these may become major hurricanes with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Yeah, I know. Every year there seem to be dire predictions for major storms. But, this year clould be different. Check out this article: Hurricane Season Is About to Get Stronger After Years of Calmer Waters. Then think of getting serious about preparing this year.
So, as you work to prepare your home and business with emergency supplies like medications, flash lights, water, and non-perishable food, start today to save some cash.
It doesn’t have to be a lot. A dollar here, five dollars there. Put it away somewhere you can grab if you have to evacuate. It can help you and yours get you where you need to go.
And one last thing:
Talk to your insurance agent about your homeowner and business owner policy now. Find out what the limits of your coverage is, now, before the storms hit. And, consider purchasing flood insurance. Remember: it takes 30 days from the date you purchase flood insurance before you can make a claim.
PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services is the premier property damage restoration company in the Greater Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, NJ region. We helped hundreds of folks survive the disaster after Hurricane Sandy, Tropical Storm Lee, and Hurricane Irene. So, we know first hand the kind of devastation these storms cause.