John Hancock Funds is making available on its web site a complimentary, eight-page Emergency Checklist brochure that investors may download and print, as a way to help prepare for emergencies.
"With the onset of the 2008 hurricane season and the recent spate of weather-related events in the news, we want to make it easier for families to cover the most important areas in becoming prepared for emergencies, whether of a personal or financial nature," said Carey Foran Hoch, Vice President of Marketing for John Hancock Funds. "When you're in the midst of a crisis, it's hard to think clearly and calmly about the best course of action. That's why we urge people to do the preparation now, which will certainly make life simpler later."
A recent survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revealed that nearly half of Americans say they are not fully prepared for an emergency. Even when it comes to pets, only 25% have a plan in place to care for their pet in case of emergency.
The Emergency Checklist is available in a "fillable PDF" format, making it easy to update information. Under the Personal section, the brochure provides space to list contact names and phone numbers, medications and dosages, allergies, doctors, dentists, insurance information, day care providers, school contacts, and veterinarian. Under the Financial section, there are sections to be filled out for bank and investment accounts, mortgages, loans, credit cards, lawyer, accountant and financial advisor.
John Hancock advises families to store copies of the completed Emergency Checklist in locations that are easily accessible by key individuals. It is also advisable to give printed copies, in a sealed envelope marked "For an Emergency," to those persons. Including people who are a significant distance away from your home, in case it is your local area that experiences an emergency, is another good idea. Providing a copy to your financial advisor is also an essential part of planning for an emergency. -- John Hancock Funds
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