Ellen Day member for 1 year 23 weeks

This past Spring has been a wild one on the weather front. Natural disasters have wreaked havoc in more than ten states. Tornadoes have swept across Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and North Carolina. The State of California has seen it's share of wildfires. Earthquakes have shook Nevada, and the Midwest. If these events weren't enough, the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on June 1st. The recent severe storms in the Midwest have caused massive floods and loss of property and unfortunately, loss of lives.

No one can predict when a natural, or any disaster will occur. However, being caught off guard and unprepared, you can face a much greater burden and expense when resolving legal affairs. Below are the five recommendations that you should consider and have in place to be legally prepared for natural disasters and other life's emergencies:

1. Once a year, sit down with your insurance agent and go over your home, auto and life insurance policies. Be sure you understand your coverage and policy limits. Pay close attention to paragraphs/sections regarding coverage to physical damage, casualty and property damage caused by wind, tornadoes, flooding, fire, hail, hurricanes, earthquakes, burglary and theft of property. A standard homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from wind, but not losses from floods and storm surge damage. Flood insurance is a separate insurance policy. Most standard homeowner insurance policy does not cover damage caused by earthquakes. Your automobile insurance will cover damage caused by earthquakes and storms. Be sure to review the benefit amounts in life insurance policies and update beneficiaries if necessary.

2. Create a Life Document File that should be designated for important legal papers and other documents. A life document file should include: Identification documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, contracts, deeds, titles to vehicles, insurance policies, medical records, animal health records, dog or cat certificates of health and rabies certificates and tags, pictures and a complete financial asset inventory. Keep all records together in one place, this is especially important if you have to grab and run in the event you have to evacuate your home and area.

3. Have a Will drawn up, a Living Will, Special (Durable) Power of Attorney, Special (Durable) Power of Attorney for Health care. Inclement weather and other disasters can cause injuries and death. It is so important to have a Will and other legal documents in place to help ensure that your final wishes are carried out, thus lessening the burden on your surviving family members. For estate planning and other legal documents, please do not hesitate to contact me at (630) 307-3513. I give all Alpha Women members a discount on Wills, Living Trusts and other important estate planning documents.

4. Be sure to store your documents in a secure place such as a safe deposit box or at home in a fireproof and waterproof box. This is also essential in the prevention of someone else using your legal and personal documents to commit identity theft and other criminal activities.

5. Make sure to tell someone that you trust about the location of your important legal and personal documents. It can be an attorney, relative or close friend. There may be situations that arise whereas you are not able to communicate and at least one person should know the location of your important papers and documents. Always keep a back up copy of important papers with an attorney if you have one, or with a family member.