In the event of a natural disaster, many families know to have supplies on hand for shelter-in-place and a safe exit strategy for evacuations. In addition, it may help to prepare financially. Once the emergency passes, having your identification documents, policies, bank account information, and other household records and contacts will assist in the recovery process. Building an emergency savings is also important. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency and Operation HOPE, Inc., studies show income is often the most important factor in individual and family preparedness. Those with higher incomes are more likely to prepare. Those with lower incomes are less likely to set aside money for emergencies. Therefore, lack of income and savings is a major obstacle to preparing for a disaster.

To increase consumer knowledge on financially preparing for a disaster, the Letcher County Extension Office hosted a workshop: “Financial Preparedness for a Natural Disaster” on May 19, 2020. Evaluations were solicited via online survey. Educational emphasis was placed on:

• Know how and why to prepare a household inventory list
• List what documents can help you be prepared financially for a natural disaster
• Estimate how much emergency savings to build
• Avoid scams that may arise after a natural disaster

Of the survey respondents, 86 percent indicated they know more about how and why to prepare a household inventory list; 86 percent felt more confident in their ability to list what documents can help them be prepared financially for a natural disaster; 43 percent now know how to estimate how much emergency savings to build; and 86 percent feel they can avoid scams that may arise after a natural disaster. 

Of those who participated, 100 percent indicated they plan to compile important documents/information and store them safely and 100 percent plan to build or maintain an emergency savings account.

As a result of the program, participants noted that they plan to be prepared for a natural disaster by completing a home inventory, building emergency savings, and finding a more secure place to store important documents. 

One participant said, “I will do a household inventory and make a copy and place copies in separate places, such as a fireproof safe. I liked the idea to do one room per day.” Another said, “I knew I needed to do all this but hadn’t. I love the list of stuff that I can fill out for insurance and where my kids find what they need if something happens to us.”