Handling family finances during disasters & emergencies

Abstract

Disasters can create serious financial crises for families. Insurance may not cover as much as anticipated or needed. Home and places of employment may be lost. Family members may be out of work due to injuries. In an ideal world, families would have adequate cash reserves or credit to draw on for disasters. But reality is likely to be far from ideal. Making decisions about repairs and purchases and developing resources to maintain a home can be difficult. However, some basic financial tools and household saving strategies can help families during an emergency.