AICPA Financial Preparedness Tips as “Major Storm” Hurricane Ian Tracks Toward Florida, Southeastern U.S.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hurricane Ian threatens tens of millions of people and businesses in Florida and the East Coast with heavy rains, strong winds and flooding as the Category 4 storm is expected to make landfall overnight, September 28.

The American Institute of CPAs, (AICPA) understands that disasters such as Hurricane Ian not only take an emotional toll, but they take a financial toll as well. Safeguarding one’s finances in case of a catastrophic event is an often-overlooked aspect of disaster preparedness. To help people and businesses mitigate potential damages and lessen the financial blow of a disaster, the AICPA, American Red Cross and National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) developed the Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness and Recovery.

“People and businesses need to take proactive steps to minimize the potential impact disasters, such as Hurricane Ian, can have on their lives and financial well-being,” said Eva Simpson, CPA, CGMA, VP – Tax Practice and Financial Planning at AICPA. “When a natural or other disaster strikes, often the initial concerns are dealing with the personal and emotional fallout, but it is important to remember there are financial effects that can have long-term impacts. Disaster preparedness can go a long way to mitigate the financial toll and help people and businesses recover.”

In preparation for a natural disaster, people should plan to:

• Compile a disaster supply kit that includes food and water, first-aid supplies, flashlight and extra batteries, medications, extra case, baby and pet supplies, blankets, hygiene products and copies of personal documents.
• Develop a disaster plan that includes identifying safe places in the home, evacuation plans and family responsibilities.
• Take steps to reduce property damage.
• Identify how a disaster could impact jobs and livelihoods.
• Evaluate and enroll in adequate medical insurance and disability and long-term care policies.
• Safeguarding records and irreplaceable items.
• Protecting loved ones by identifying a meet-up location in case of separation.

Hurricane Ian will likely disrupt businesses and organizations of all sizes as it stretches across the Southeast. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to the financial impacts of disasters. Business owners can help mitigate the impacts of a natural disaster by:

• Ensuring their continuity blueprint is in place and updated, including identifying a core team to handle critical tasks.
• Staying in touch with employees, clients and key business partners before, during and after the event.
• Establishing a backup location for operations in the event, they need to relocate and continue operating.
• Establishing a relationship with a bank in other areas in case local banks are inaccessible.

The Red Cross Plan and Prepare is an online tool which complements the “Disasters and Financial Planning” guide and assists people and businesses in planning and preparing for events at home, school, and the workplace, as well as additional tools and apps.

It’s a long 6-month season, and it only takes a single storm to disrupt and cause extensive damage as we recently witnessed with Hurricane Fiona’s devastation throughout the Caribbean and Canada. Hurricane Ian is unlikely to be the last major Hurricane of the 2022 season, and people and businesses throughout the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are encouraged to evaluate their disaster preparedness plans.

About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and AICPA & CIMA

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants^® (the Association), representing AICPA^® & CIMA^®, advances the global accounting and finance profession through its work on behalf of 689,000 AICPA and CIMA members, students and engaged professionals in 196 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members and engaged professionals with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future.

The American Institute of CPAs^® (AICPA), the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination and builds the pipeline of future talent for the public accounting profession.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants^® (CIMA) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer’s choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.

Contacts

Media:
Allison Carter Fanney

AICPA

919.402.4928

allison.fanney@aicpa-cima.com