BATON ROUGE, LA – As the 2026 hurricane season unfolds, Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., is urging Louisianans to include a financial disaster plan in their hurricane preparedness.
“Louisiana residents are aware of the need for water, non-perishable food and batteries when preparing for hurricanes, but it is essential to have your finances in order as well. No one can prevent a hurricane, but every family can take steps now to protect their financial future,” said Dr. Fleming.
He shared the following suggestions, which can be accomplished before a storm enters the Gulf of America:
· Have available cash for basic needs since banks may not be open and ATMs may not work after the storm
· Print out a copy of the following information so you have account numbers and balances: housing payments, insurance policies, bank accounts, tax statements, and pay stubs
· Secure important financial records, insurance policies, identification documents, and property records in a waterproof container and maintain digital copies in a secure location
· Make sure that your insurance coverage will meet your needs to deal with all possible hazards
· Check your property, health, life, and homeowners’ policies, and keep in mind that homeowners’ insurance does not typically cover flooding
· Start an emergency savings account that can be used in any crisis
· Video the inside of your house, including your closets. This is a record of your belongings in case your home suffers damage. This will simplify insurance claims
· Monitor financial accounts before and after severe weather for unauthorized activity and remain alert for scams targeting disaster victims.
“Unfortunately, we know it’s not a matter of if another hurricane will hit. It’s a matter of when it will happen. If your financial disaster plan is in place when disaster strikes, you can focus on recovery right away,” said Treasurer Fleming.
He also encourages residents to protect themselves from fraud in the aftermath of a disaster by working only with licensed contractors, carefully reviewing charitable organizations before making donations, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Dr. Fleming stressed that having a financial disaster plan is an investment in your family’s peace of mind. He said, “Having a plan in place can prevent unnecessary hardship tomorrow. It is important for everyone, as rebuilding after a hurricane is challenging for people at every income level.”
For additional hurricane preparedness resources, visit ready.gov/hurricanes. Residents are also encouraged to consult state and local emergency preparedness agencies and review their financial readiness with their banking and insurance providers.
