Continental National Bank Shares 9 Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

PR Web

Miami, Fl (PRWEB) July 30, 2014

As the 2014 hurricane season begins to take full force on our nation's coastlines, Continental National Bank is encouraging customers to prepare for the hurricane season by staying informed, assessing their home's risk, and developing emergency plans to protect against a potential storm.

"Preparation is key to ensuring safety during hurricane season," said Guillermo Diaz-Rousselot, President and CEO. "When faced with natural disasters, Continental National Bank takes preparation seriously to ensure customers have uninterrupted access to accounts and services, deposits are protected, and that our community is well prepared."

Continental National Bank offers the following tips to ensure that your family and home are well prepared for the unexpected:

   • Stay informed - Stay informed of a potential storm's path and progress by monitoring local radio and TV updates, as well as signing up for Wireless Emergency Alerts via text message. You may also track a potential storm by visiting the National Hurricane Center.
   • Assemble an emergency kit - The emergency kit should include: first aid supplies; a flashlight; battery powered radio or TV; extra batteries; at least three days of non-perishable foods; pet food (if necessary); a non-electric can opener; one gallon of water for each person, per day; a fire extinguisher; and a supply of any necessary medications. You may also want to purchase an extra battery source for your mobile device, leaving it charged and ready for the potential storm. Keep this kit in a waterproof container.
   • Always maintain an emergency cash supply – Telephone wires may be down, making credit card machines at stores or gas stations unusable. Keep on hand a sufficient amount of cash and change for emergencies like this.
   • Know your risk and know the details of your insurance policy(ies) - FEMA'sFlood Map Service Center shows the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage you may need since standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Speak with your insurance agent to determine if you have adequate coverage or if you need to reassess your plan.
   • Secure your home - Secure or bring in any outdoor furniture or objects, including potted plants, to avoid damage to your home and your neighbors. Make sure to place items away from windows. Turn off propane tanks and other utilities if instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
   • Protect financial documents - In the event of a disaster, you will need identification insurance, and financial documents to begin the recovery process. Safeguard important documents in one of Continental National Bank's safety deposit boxes, computer storage devices, and/or water and fire proof storage containers. You should save: forms of personal identification; financial account information; insurance policies on all personal property, including appraisals and lists and photos of valuable items; ownership or leasing documentation for homes and vehicles; and all health and medical insurance documentation.
   • Develop a family communications plan - Know how you will contact one another and where you will meet should you happen to get separated.
   • Fuel up - Make sure your vehicle(s) has a full tank of gasoline in case you need to evacuate to a shelter or other location.
   • Establish an evacuation route and locate your closest emergency shelter - Prior to a storm, contact your local American Red Cross chapter to locate the shelter nearest you, or download their Shelter Finder App. Identify and map out the safest route to the shelter. Be sure to check if the shelter allows animals and family pets, or if they can provide special care for people with disabilities, seniors, or children. If you must evacuate and have nowhere to go but a shelter, be sure to bring your emergency kit, important documents, a pillow, a blanket, and a folding lounge chair or sleeping bag for each person.

For more information and more tips on preparing for a storm, visit Ready.gov or your local county government website for a listing of their emergency services.

About Continental National Bank:
Continental National Bank is a full-service community bank established in 1974 in Miami as the first Cuban-American-chartered national bank in the United States, serving its customers for 40 years. With seven branches conveniently located throughout Miami-Dade County and with more than $350 million in assets, Continental National Bank was awarded the five-star "superior" rating by BauerFinancial and also has been rated "Outstanding" in their Community Reinvestment Act evaluation by their regulatory agency. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services for retail, business and institutional clients. http://www.continentalbank.com