11 Tips to Protect Your Family During Tornado Season

Experts are predicting an unusually threatening tornado season this year. The recent twisters from Illinois to are just a sign of what’s to come.

The National Weather Service has reported a significant increase in tornadoes for the months of January through March. And it’s just the beginning, as peak months are April, May and June.
Residents of areas affected by twisters can take steps before and after a disaster to protect their families — and their identities.

Read our expert Brian McGinley’s blog post to learn about the 7 ways to prepare for a disaster.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event, survivors can guard against identity thieves with these tips:

• 1.  Call your bank, credit union, insurer or financial planner to see if they offer identity theft management services. Some financial institutions offer this service for free, as a perk for being a member or account holder.
• 2.  Protect important information and documents. Whether you’re in a shelter, staying with friends or crashing on your family’s couch, never let these items leave your sight. They are the key to your identity—and you will need this information to prove who you are.
• 3.  Be proactive and check your credit report by calling 1-877-322-8228 or visiting this . Consider adding an initial security alert to your credit report, by visiting this Experian website or by calling 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742).
• 4.  Ask the post office to hold your mail until you return home. This will keep thieves from finding sensitive materials that are left in your mailbox.

Identity Theft 911 fraud specialists have years of experience helping to protect financial, credit and identity data, while maintaining uninterrupted access to financial accounts. Our experts can also help quickly replace important documents. If you become a victim of identity theft we can help by providing one-on-one guidance through the resolution process and minimizing the damage, stress and lost time you suffer.