U.S. General Services Administration
Prepare yourself financially for the scary stuff
Ushio says money buys bones and doesn’t grow on trees, so protect it
Submitted by Emergency Management Specialist Sherry LoSapio.
Hi folks, it’s me, Ushio (You-she-oh), again. My mom Sherry Losapio, from the Office of Mission Assurance is at it again. She has been staying very busy while working in my space helping her human friends with preparedness.
This time I’ve heard her talking about how to make sure humans are prepared financially to take care of themselves and their furry friends after something scary happens like a tornado, or flooding, or running out of treats. Ok, the treat thing may be my fear.
My mom has tips about something she calls “money.” I don’t know what that is, but it doesn’t grow on trees and she uses it to get me bones!
Oh she also said there is information about signing up for alerts and free preparedness materials at ready.gov.
- Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information. Don’t forget to include your fur friends’ information and to put it all in a waterproof container if you have one — zip-close bags if you don’t.
- Humans should consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. My mom keeps a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. She says it’s important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
- Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health and life insurance if you do not have them. I’m not sure what insurance is, but my mom says that not all insurance policies are the same. She says you should review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards. If your homeowners insurance does not cover flooding (hint: it probably doesn’t), you can purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Mom talks a lot about COVID-19 and she tells people how to keep their personal information safe.
She says you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint if you receive messages from anyone claiming to be a government agent or if you believe you’ve been a victim of a COVID-19 related scam.
Here are some of the other things I have heard her tell her human friends:
- Humans should be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number, or credit card number.
- Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know, even if there are cute puppy pictures. Scammers can create fake links to websites. Visit government websites, like cdc.gov/coronavirus, directly in your internet browser.
The government will not text or call you about mandatory online COVID-19 tests or vaccinations, outbreaks in your area, or to sell you COVID-19 cures.
The government will not call or text you about owing money or receiving economic impact payments.
The government will not contact you through social media about owing money or receiving payments. - If you have been exposed to COVID-19, a contact tracer from your local health department might call you to let you know and ask you to self-quarantine at home away from others. Discussions with health department staff are confidential. They will not ask for financial information.
- Keep in mind that scammers may try to take advantage of financial fears by calling with work-from-home opportunities, debt consolidation offers, and student loan repayment plans.
If you need more information preparedness go to ready.gov.
Look for more tips from me next week! [smooches]
Respectfully,
Ushio