Whether you’ve lived in central Alabama for five or 25 years, you likely have a tornado story to tell. Anyone who knows me personally knows how much I respect the weather. Each spring and fall, our community braces for severe weather. While we know storms will come, we never know exactly when, but being prepared helps keep me calm.

As a banker in Dixie Alley for the past 35 years, I have helped clients prepare financially for the unexpected. I’ve compiled a list of key steps that can help protect your finances before, during and after a natural disaster. It’s never too late to prepare and doing so now can make all the difference when it matters most.