Get hurricane ready!

As the Atlantic hurricane season opens, there's no time like the present to evaluate your situation. While you can't prevent natural disasters, you can keep them from turning into financial disasters. Bankrate.com has collected these proactive steps you should take to protect your personal finances and your home in the event of a natural disaster.

Preparation is the key
Disaster-proof your finances
	Get your finances in order before hurricane season gets in full gear.

Homeowners should seek financial shelter from high winds
	The wind could huff and puff and blow your house in. Be prepared with some form of wind protection.

Disaster-proof your home
	When it comes to disasters, saving lives comes first -- saving the home is a distant second. Plus: Disaster-proof your home cost-effectively


Documents to have handy in an emergency
	What would you do if you had five minutes to clear out of your home?

Protect your valuable papers
	A chart of what records to keep and for how long.

Understanding flood insurance
	Don't get swept away by losses from flood damage.

You have homeowners insurance. But are you really protected?
	The difference between cash value and replacement value could empty your wallet.

Bankrate.com's corrections policy

-- Updated: May 29, 2007

		RESOURCES
		What to do after disaster strikes
		Don't get taken by disaster scammers
		Prepare a living will before disaster strikes