Financial institutions across the United States face a wide variety of disasters that could have potentially devastating consequences; Washington State is no stranger to the devastation and loss brought on by natural disasters.

The role that bankers play as community leaders was never more apparent than in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. The magnitude of the damage from the recent storms and the substantial disruption to homes, businesses, governments, and telecommunication systems has challenged even the best prepared banks.

For help with bank disaster recovery planning, check out the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) free, members-only Emergency Preparedness Toolbox at www.aba.com. This resource includes the following chapters:

• Improving emergency communications;
• Plugging into your local emergency management process;
• Refreshing your emergency preparedness and disaster recovery plans;
• Understanding disaster financial assistance;
• Anticipating the regulatory response;
• Understanding a disaster’s economic impact; and
• Preparing for the avian flu and other potential pandemics.

3 Days, 3 Ways, Are You Ready? is a public motivation campaign urging Washingtonians to prepare for emergencies and disasters. Did you know that 40 percent of small businesses that close for more than three days after a disaster NEVER reopen? Small Business Preparedness seeks to keep your business operating following a disaster by protecting your critical business functions through understanding your core business processes.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps as part of a broader national effort conducted by the Department’s Directorate for Preparedness. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by The Advertising Council in partnership with DHS. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Individuals interested in more information about family and business preparedness can visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials. Banks that also would like to participate by offering customers and employees preparedness tips can enroll at www.ready.gov.