Do You Have an Emergency Plan for Disasters?

The recent disaster in Haiti creates thoughts not only of aid for the victims, but also images of what could happen right here at home should a similar tragedy strike. After all, our area is in close proximity to the New Madrid fault. This powerful fault line produced a series of earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to appear to flow backwards. Tremors were felt as far away as New York City. It’s important to note that experts predict a major quake could hit our area in the near future.

Of course, an earthquake is just one form of disaster. Are you and your family ready should a major disaster of any kind occur in our area? As we’ve seen, disasters can strike quickly and with little warning, leaving you without the basics of survival: water, power, communication, etc. It’s important to have an emergency plan to help you and your family get back on your feet as soon as possible.

Here are some steps to consider when putting together an emergency plan:

• Discuss scenarios. As mentioned, disasters come in many shapes and sizes (fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, terrorist acts, etc.). Be sure your family is familiar with responses to a variety of possibilities. It’s important that everyone is aware of how to react to emergencies.
  
  
• Pick a meeting spot. Chances are good your entire family will not be in the same spot when disaster strikes, and it may be difficult to return home, so it’s important to have a pre-determined meeting place. It should be a place that will likely be safe and away from the area (for more large-scale disasters).
   
• Designate a friend/relative for contact. This person should be out of town (at least 100 miles away) to ensure he/she is not affected by the disaster. This is your point person for contact for the entire family. Be sure everyone carries this number at all times.
   
• Stock up on supplies. Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water. Also, include first aid supplies, medication, clothing, bedding, tools and other items you may think of as useful should utilities and supply areas be out of service. Get a more detailed list from the Red Cross.

• Vehicle supplies. Keep a small “survival kit” in the trunk of your vehicle as well. This works for both large-scale disasters and smaller emergencies.
   
• First aid. Have all family members familiar with life-saving techniques such as CPR as well as basic first aid.
   
• Review your emergency plan from time to time to be sure everyone remains familiar with the correct procedures. Perform live tests to reinforce the correct course of action.

As we’ve seen, because of logistics and/or circumstances, disaster relief can be slow in coming, if it comes at all. You should not rely on others for timely help, that’s why it’s YOUR responsibility to make sure your family is prepared for at least short-term survival during an emergency.

As for your finances, Vantage has a plan for emergencies called our Business Continuity Plan. This simply means we have planned steps to be taken to ensure your financial business continues with as little (if any) interruption as possible. Here are some other things to consider regarding your finances at Vantage and an emergency:

• Vantage has 16 branches spread out across the St. Louis Metro area to serve you.
   
• Because we’re a member of the CO-OP Network of ATMs, you have access to over 28,000 ATMs across North America.
   
• Information regarding emergency service will be available online, which can be accessed through wireless means.
   
• Emergency information will also be available through our phone system.

Haitian Donations
Vantage has donation jars in all branches for collections that will go toward helping victims in Haiti. Please feel free to contribute if you’re able.