September is National Preparedness Month, a time when families are encouraged to review their own preparedness for natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Financial preparedness should also be a key component of your emergency planning.
To help you get started, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Operation Hope created the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a guide to identify and collect important documents, medical records, and household contracts. The EFFAK will help you become more financially prepared for emergencies and provide you with tips to reduce the financial impact of disasters on you and your family.
You can also visit the Ready.gov Financial Preparedness website for a variety of resources to help you become more financially prepared in case of a natural disaster or family emergency.
Your Employee Assistance Program is here to help
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers you and your family members with free consultations on a wide variety of financial topics, including questions you may have as you develop your family’s financial preparedness plan. Your EAP also provides free and confidential support, resources, and information to help you manage your work and life responsibilities. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, contact your Component EAP, or send an email to worklife@hq.dhs.gov.