Hurricane season runs through November 30, and for anyone living on Florida’s Suncoast, that means staying prepared for the worst. While most of us have water, batteries, and non-perishables stocked, there’s one item that often gets overlooked: cash. When a major storm knocks out power for days, ATMs stop working, credit card terminals go dark, and mobile networks can fail. In those moments, cash becomes the only way to buy gas, food, or prescriptions.
Ready.gov specifically recommends keeping extra cash in your emergency supply kit. And here’s the key: use smaller bills. Stores that manage to reopen after a storm may not have the ability to make change for larger denominations. A mix of $1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s is the smart play. Build your stash gradually, even twenty or thirty dollars a week, until you have a few hundred set aside. Store it in a waterproof, fire-resistant container, and keep the location private.
Having cash on hand isn’t about replacing your cards or mobile payment apps. It’s about having a backup when technology fails. Talk to your family now, before the next storm forms in the Gulf. Set up a plan for where the cash lives and when to use it. Future you, possibly sitting in the dark, will be very grateful. How much cash will you have ready before the season ends?
