San Francisco, California after the Loma Prieta earthquake. Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area
Did you notice today’s date, October 17? It’s the twenty-eighth anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that wreaked havoc and cost lives all across Northern California. And, October 19 will be the twenty-sixth anniversary of the 1991 Oakland Hills fire. Yet again we find ourselves with another October tragedy here in Northern California, the Tubbs Fire, which reportedly started in the early hours of October 9, 2017. At this writing, the death toll is just starting to be reported and a full assessment of loss of life and property is not available.
Devastation in the Oakland Hills in the 1991 firestorm. Photo Credit: MarketWatch
So, what does this have to do with financial planning? In all three of these incidences, people had to evacuate and evacuate fast when authorities gave the order. But what do you take in your mad dash to safety? Personally, I would advise the following: grab your favorite and irreplaceable photos, marriage certificate, and your important documents binder. I previously wrote about what to put in that binder and you can find more tips at my post Do You Have a Special Emergency Binder.
You should consider making duplicates of photos you cherish and important documents and storing them remotely in a bank vault or at least a trusted relative’s house in a different town. As for your important financial documents, at minimum grab your will, trust documents, deed, insurance documents, banking and investment statements, auto titles, and any powers of attorney. Obviously, you will not have time to hunt around for these so have them ready in advance and all in one binder, or fireproof strongbox. Remember, portability is key!
As an independent Certified Financial Planner™, I can help you decide what to select for your binder and where to store it. Contact me and let’s get started! #talktometuesday #education#Hireaplanner #documentsyouneed #evacuate #beprepared #safetyfirst