The CrowdStrike outage in July was a stark reminder that the internet and a lot of the online services we rely on are very complex and delicate. After CrowdStrike pushed out a software update to all of its clients – including healthcare systems, airlines, banks, and the federal government – it ended up crashing systems worldwide!

Just like businesses are required to have a disaster recovery plan for these kinds of situations, individuals should also develop a personal disaster recovery plan.

We all know that it’s not a matter of IF something happens but rather WHEN it happens. Natural disasters, power outages, software or system failures, and fraud happen all too frequently so here are 8  things to keep in mind so you’ll be prepared.

1. Protect your important documents. Keep three copies of important papers – Two different electronic copies (computer and external hard drive) and one hard copy in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box or personal safe.
2. The best way to plan for the unexpected expenses that may result from a disaster is to start saving today. Saving money can help you and your family avoid taking on more debt to respond to the costs of rebuilding your life after an emergency. Saving even small amounts like $5 or $10 a week is a good place to start.
3. Keep a small amount of cash in a secure place so that you can access it in case of an emergency, and you do not have access to your accounts either via a branch or ATM. You may need this cash to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.
4. Diversify your wallet and have a second/backup credit card in the event of an emergency, fraud, or IT outage.
5. Review your insurance coverage to make sure you have the proper coverage for homeowners/renters, flood, health, and life insurance. Remember that homeowner’s insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
6. Set up to get your payroll and other benefits electronically. A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks so arrange to have your Social Security or other regular benefits electronically deposited into your account. This also eliminates the risk of fraud from stolen checks.
7. Set up online/mobile account access to your financial accounts. If branches are closed due to weather or damage, often these services are still available to you.
8. Have a basic survival kit and first aid kit packed and ready to go. Knowing what you need to take with you during an emergency evacuation could help you move quickly to get yourself and your loved ones to safety.

Of course, we hope you’ll never need to activate your plan but if a disaster does strike, you’ll be ready. Members Trust is ready to help. Contact us if you have any questions.