For up-to-date information during an emergency, visit the GCB Storm Center. GCB Storm Center
We encourage consumers to prepare for hurricane season by assessing their home’s risk and developing emergency plans to protect against a potential storm.
Assemble an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, at least three days of non-perishable foods and water, towels and a supply of any necessary medications. Stay informed of the storm’s path and progress by monitoring Wireless Emergency Alerts via text message and having a battery-powered radio or TV available.
Develop a family communications plan. Know how you will contact one another; how you will get back together, if separated; and what you will do in different situations. Having a plan can eliminate some of the stress and confusion.
Make a plan for evacuating and one for sheltering in place. Depending on storm intensity and your ability to be mobile, prepare a plan for leaving as well as one for staying safely. Prior to a storm, contact your local American Red Cross to locate the nearest shelter or download the Emergency App by texting "GETEMERGENCY" to 90999. Identify the safest route to get there. Be sure to check if your local emergency shelter allows animals and family pets. You can read more on how to create a plan here.
Be sure you can access your bank accounts in an emergency. Now is the time to enroll in Gulf Coast Bank's Digital Banking for both personal and business accounts. Make sure you download our Mobile Banking App on your mobile device to access your accounts from anywhere. Unable to access the internet? Get 24/7 account information via telephone by calling Telebanking. Also, follow Gulf Coast Bank & Trust on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with notices like closures or disaster assistance.
Secure your home. Outdoor furniture and other objects can pose a potential hazard. 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 and financial documents to begin the recovery process. Safeguard important documents in a bank safe deposit box, computer storage devices (USB drive, CD/DVD), and/or waterproof storage containers, including:
- Personal identification (driver’s licenses, birth certificates, military IDs, passports, etc.)
-
Financial account information (checking, savings, retirement and investment accounts,
credit/debit cards) -
Insurance policies on all personal property, including appraisals and lists and photos of valuable
items -
Ownership or leasing documentation for homes and vehicles (deeds, titles, registrations, rental
agreements, etc.) - All health and medical insurance documentation
Know your risk. FEMA’s map service center will show you the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage you will need. Flood insurance should be a necessity, as standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding and may have different deductibles for storm damage.
Know the details of your insurance policy. Talk with your agent to determine if you have adequate coverage or if you need to reassess your plan. This is especially important if your property’s flood map has changed.
The FEMA website, Ready.gov, offers tips on preparing for an emergency. FEMA offers a free app that is available for download through your smart phone. For more resources, visit the FEMA site: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Depending on the severity of the disaster, survivors may not have access to bank accounts or face disruption in employment. Survivors may also become targets for fraud, thereby making disaster recovery even more difficult. We have resources and information to help you recover financially after a disaster.
