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Automated teller machine cards, debit cards (for use at ATMs and merchants), and credit cards: These cards give you access to cash and the ability to make payments on outstanding bills. Most ATM and debit cards require the use of personal identification numbers (PINs), so make sure you know those numbers. Don’t write your PINs on or near your cards in case they are lost or stolen. Also, don’t assume that merchants and ATMs in areas affected by a disaster will be functioning as usual—that’s why it’s smart to have other options available for getting cash and making payments.
Cash: The amount you should have available will depend on several factors, including the number of people in your family and your ability to use ATM, debit, and credit cards to get more cash or make purchases. But remember that cash in your house or wallet and not in your bank account can easily be lost or stolen. Some experts have suggested keeping between $500 and $3,000 of cash on hand in your home depending on your net worth, with roughly $200 of that amount in small bills.
Phone numbers for your financial services providers: These would include local and toll-free numbers for your bank, credit card companies, brokerage firms (for stocks, bonds, or mutual fund investments), and insurance companies. Why have these numbers handy? You may need to defer a payment, replace lost cards or documents, open new accounts, or otherwise request assistance. If you have people you regularly deal with, have their phone numbers on your list, too.
Important account numbers: These would include bank and brokerage account numbers, credit card numbers, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy numbers. It’s possible to make a purchase without having your actual credit card if you have a photocopy of your card along with a valid ID. In addition, the photocopies can help you keep track of your account numbers and company phone numbers.
The key to your safe deposit box: You can’t get into your safe deposit box at the bank without your key, no matter how many forms of
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