Hurricane kits have become an important staple in coastal areas and even for their inland counterparts. Contents often include prescription medication, emergency phone numbers for evacuating, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, portable bedding and special needs items for children or senior citizens.

But, what about preparing your financial documents for the storm season? Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, there are some important preparations you should make. AmSouth recommends that your financial hurricane preparations include the following:

Homeowners — Gather important legal documents, which should include:

• Mortgage/property deeds

• Car titles

• Photocopy of driver’s license

• Passport(s)

• Social security card(s)

• Military records

• Insurance policies

• Health Insurance information

• Will(s)

• Power of Attorney/Trust documents

• Birth certificates

• Birth, Death, and Marriage certificates; Adoption or divorce papers

• Tax records

• Written instructions for family members

• Make sure you are insured and consider special coverage such as flood insurance.

• Place important documents (listed above) in a waterproof plastic bag or container like those used by boaters, fishermen or divers. A good food storage bag that seals tightly will work also. Take these items with you if you evacuate your home or city.

• Videotape or photograph your home and its contents to ensure that you can recoup replacement costs, especially for valuable items. Place the tape with your important documents.

• Place other items like jewels or other valuables in a plastic storage bag and take them to your bank to put in your safety deposit box.

• Visit your bank or ATM and withdraw enough cash to cover meals and accommodations for your family for up to 3 days.

• Sign up for AmSouth Internet Banking to keep track of your accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills from anywhere you have Internet access.

Business Owners:

• Make advance arrangements with key vendors to provide support services to get you back in business.

• Develop a vendor services list or database with key contact phone numbers to help you return your business to operation as soon as possible.

• Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy, riders, etc.

• Secure financial records such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll and banking information, as well as customer databases or information and employee records.

• Protect your equipment, relocate it if possible, if not elevate it above flood level, protect with plastic sheeting, plastic bags and duct tape.

AmSouth is a regional bank holding company with $53 billion in assets, more than 680 branch banking offices and more than 1,200 ATMs. AmSouth operates in Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. AmSouth is a leader among regional banks in the Southeast in several key business segments, including consumer and commercial banking, small business banking, mortgage lending, equipment leasing, and trust and investment management services. AmSouth also offers a complete line of banking products and services at its web site, www.amsouth.com