By: Capitol Federal®

Plan Ahead for Disasters: How to Be Prepared

Disasters can happen at any time, and while you can’t control when they occur, you can control how prepared you are. At Capitol Federal®, we have a disaster recovery plan to protect our customers and ensure the availability of cash, data, and services in the event of an emergency. Just as we’re prepared, we want to help you and your family be ready for anything that comes your way.

Here are some practical steps you can take to safeguard your finances and family. Follow this checklist to build your disaster preparedness kit and be ready for the unexpected. For additional resources, visit ready.gov.

Essential Items to Include in Your Emergency Kit

  • Identification and Important Documents:

    • Driver's license or state-issued ID
    • Insurance cards
    • Social security cards
    • Passports
    • Copies of birth certificates

  • Basic Necessities:

    • Non-perishable food and bottled water
    • Prescription medications
    • Flashlights and extra batteries
    • First aid kit

  • Banking Items:

    • ATM cards, debit and credit cards
    • Account numbers and toll-free contact information for financial institutions
    • Checkbook as a backup to digital banking services like True Blue Online®

  • Tech Essentials:

    • Mobile devices and backup chargers or power banks
    • If you lose paper bank statements or checkbooks, True Blue Online allows you to pay bills, transfer funds, and send money with ease through services like People Pay or External Transfers.

Power Outages and Communication Disruptions

In case of an extended power outage or communication disruption, preparation is key:

  • Power Solutions:

    • Crank or solar-powered radios, flashlights, and cell phone chargers
    • Consider a backup generator, but always operate it outdoors, away from windows

  • Communication Plan:

    • Establish a family communication plan to ensure everyone knows how to stay in touch
    • Write down key contacts, especially for elderly family members

  • Health and Safety:

    • Plan ahead for refrigerated medications or power-dependent medical devices
    • Know how to manually release your garage door in case of an outage
    • Keep your car’s gas tank full and avoid using a gas oven for heating

  • Food Safety:

    • Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed during outages
    • Stock up on canned food and water

Safety Measures for Weather-Related Incidents

In the event of severe weather, these additional steps can help you stay safe:

  • Emergency Shelter Prep:

    • Ensure everyone in your household is wearing sturdy shoes in case of debris
    • Secure pets in a safe room or pet carriers
    • Gather water, non-perishable snacks, and essential items as you take shelter

  • Stay Informed:

    • Keep a battery-powered or weather radio with you to track weather updates

  • Comfort Items:

    • Bring along some games or toys to keep children occupied during the storm

Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks

In today's digital world, cyber threats are an increasing concern. Stay safe online with these tips:

  • Strengthen Security:

    • Use strong, unique passwords with a mix of characters
    • Enable two-factor authentication and use biometric security when possible (fingerprint or facial recognition)
    • Keep your devices and apps updated to protect against vulnerabilities

  • Be Cautious:

    • Don’t share personal information like PINs or passwords through text, phone, or email
    • Be wary of suspicious links or urgent requests in emails or texts
    • Ensure your internet connection is secure and regularly update your Wi-Fi passwords

  • Monitor and Protect:

    • Regularly check your account statements and credit reports
    • Back up your data securely in an encrypted format

At Capitol Federal, your security is our top priority. We will never contact you by phone, text, or email asking for confidential information. If you believe you’ve shared sensitive information by mistake, contact us immediately at 1-888-822-7333.

Being Prepared Brings Peace of Mind

By taking these steps to plan ahead, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any disaster that may come your way. From ensuring your important documents are secure to staying connected with loved ones during a storm, preparedness is key to protecting your family and your finances.

Be prepared, stay safe, and rely on Capitol Federal for support when you need it most.

Categories: Personal Retail | Fraud Prevention and Security