OKLAHOMA CITY - With the ten-year anniversary of the devastating May 3rd tornadoes quickly approaching, Oklahomans are remembering the aftermath and challenge of putting lives back together. To assist consumers in disaster planning the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants offers four basic pre-disaster preparation tips.

Keep Your Records in Order
In the wake of a disaster, documentation may be necessary. This includes personal identification, insurance papers and banking and investment information. CPAs advise keeping all of these important materials in a bank safe deposit box or a secure, fireproof home safe. Documents to store include birth, death and marriage certificates; divorce and custody agreements; passports, military records; copies of drivers’ licenses; deeds and contracts to real property; any insurance policy documentation; as well as stock and bond certificates.

Take Pictures
Among the records, remember to store photos of your home and what’s inside it, including the contents of closets, garages, attics and basements. Photograph cars and any other belongings that could be damaged in a disaster.

Have Some Cash On Hand
How will you pay for food, a hotel or other needs if you are forced to leave your home? If the power goes out, banks or ATMs may be unavailable. That’s why it’s a good idea to have enough cash on hand to cover family expenses for at least five days. Keep this money in a safe location where it can be easily accessed.

Additionally, to help protect your family financially and to assist in economic recovery from potential damages caused by forces of nature, the OSCPA offers free disaster planning guides.

Disaster Recovery: A Guide to Financial Issues helps people affected by disaster minimize the financial impact of a disruptive event on their lives. Developed by the American Institute of CPAs, the American Red Cross and the National Endowment for Economic Education, the guide isa comprehensive resource for disaster victims and provides instructions for restoring household stability, managing medical bills, stabilizing finances and reconstructing lost property. The guide also contains information regarding post-disaster financial planning. Download a free copy by visiting http://www.knowwhatcounts.org/ or calling (800) 522-8261.

With more than 6,600 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma’s only statewide professional association of CPAs. For 90 years, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession. Visit www.KnowWhatCounts.org/ for a free CPA referral and 30-minute consultation.

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