“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.”
― Stephen King, Different Seasons
The global wars and unrest and the seasonal natural disasters in our own country are stark reminders of how quickly unexpected and uncontrollable events around us can change the lives of many.
While we are lucky enough not to face war on our own soil today, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires are increasingly common and can be both personally and financially devastating. In fact, the U.S. has sustained 395 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion. The total cost of these 395 events exceeds $2.770 trillion[1].
Safety is the ultimate priority in these situations. But even with technology at our disposal to help warn and prepare us, sometimes there is only a matter of days or even hours to react, take cover, or evacuate.
Luckily, there are some relatively easy steps you can take today to prepare if you need to seek safety in the future.
Below is a checklist of to-dos for both you and anyone else who lives in your household, including spouses, partners, children, elderly persons, and pets in your care:
Set aside an emergency bag or backpack that contains bottled water, non-perishable food, important medications, a first aid kit and an emergency tool kit. If time allows, add the suggested important items below.
Keep the following original documents in a plastic, waterproof case or sleeve that you can easily slip into your grab-and-go bag. Until an emergency arises, periodically update these documents and store them in a fireproof and waterproof safe in your home:
Finally, if you have additional time to prepare for an evacuation, these are other items you should bring with you or pack in your grab-and-go bag or secondary luggage:
No one is ever completely ready for disaster to strike. But like Stephen King implies, perhaps we can enjoy life more today if we feel more confident that we are as prepared as we can be for potential uncertainty tomorrow. Your Modera team is here to support you in various aspects of your life, especially in difficult times. While we hope you remain safe from life’s storms, know that we are here for you whenever you may need us. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Modera Wealth Management, LLC (“Modera”) is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply any level of skill or training. Modera may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. For information pertaining to Modera’s registration status, its fees and services please contact Modera or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Web site (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov) for a copy of our Disclosure Brochure which appears as Part 2A of Form ADV. Please read the Disclosure Brochure carefully before you invest or send money.
This article is limited to the dissemination of general information about Modera’s investment advisory and financial planning services that is not suitable for everyone. Nothing herein should be interpreted or construed as investment advice nor as legal, tax or accounting advice nor as personalized financial planning, tax planning or wealth management advice. For legal, tax and accounting-related matters, we recommend you seek the advice of a qualified attorney or accountant. This article is not a substitute for personalized investment or financial planning from Modera. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed herein will come to pass, and the information herein should not be considered a solicitation to engage in a particular investment or financial planning strategy. The statements and opinions expressed in this article are subject to change without notice based on changes in the law and other conditions.
Investing in the markets involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Information herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security or to engage in a particular investment or financial planning strategy. Individual client asset allocations and investment strategies differ based on varying degrees of diversification and other factors. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or guarantee against a loss.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
"*" indicates required fields
If you are not a current client but would like to receive pertinent information about how we help people like you, please sign up now. We will send you helpful content and webinar invitations. Thanks for your interest!
