We're here for you this hurricane season. 

The past few years have been very challenging for people living in hurricane-prone areas. While many people along the Gulf Coast know to stock up on necessities like water, canned goods and batteries, the process of preparing your finances tends to get overlooked.  

Financial preparedness is critical to resuming daily life following a storm. So while we hope for clear weather this season, we'd like to share some tips about how you can set your finances up for success:

1.  Organize important documents — Gather necessary documents and records like household identification, medical information, household contacts and financial and legal documentation. For helpful guidance and checklists, review the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) provided by FEMA. Having these documents handy will be essential to resume life after a hurricane.

2.  Securely store documents — Place a copy of your important documents and records in a locked, waterproof and fireproof container. This way, you have everything in one place if you need to evacuate. Be sure to include some cash in your storage box since ATMs are often out-of-order if the electricity is out. You will also want to make copies of this valuable information and store it in a secure location outside your home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            ^{SentrySafe Fire/Water File. Explore more SentrySafe document safes here.}

3.  Enroll in Online & Mobile Banking — Our digital tools can help you monitor your accounts, pay bills, transfer funds and much more from the convenience of your mobile phone, tablet or computer. These tools will be invaluable if you have to evacuate or roads are closed. Enroll in Online and Mobile Banking.

                                                                                                                                                                                      ^{Gulf Winds Mobile Banking. Click here to learn more about our online banking service.} 

4.  Set-up direct deposit — Continue receiving your paycheck or Social Security payment on time, even if mail service has stopped or you have relocated. Complete this form and provide it to your employer or Social Security office to set up a direct deposit. 

We all can prepare financially for a hurricane. Doing so will alleviate stress and help you get your life back in order after a tropical storm or hurricane strikes. And remember, we're here for you if you need us. You can find several ways to contact us here or call us toll free at 1.800.650.6328.