Wildfires Cautious Reminder To Save In Case Of Emergency

DENVER (CBS4)- The devastating wildfires that have hit Colorado this summer are a stark reminder to have some money saved for emergencies.

Experts recommend having enough money to cover three months worth of expenses in case of a financial emergency. Only half of all Americans have that much socked away. And a quarter of us have no rainy day fund whatsoever.

Financial experts also say it's crucial to have access to quick cash if your home and financial records are destroyed.

"I looked at my husband and said, 'What are the chances our house could go?' and he said, 'It could go,'" said one evacuee from the Waldo Canyon Fire.

Evacuees tend to pack photo albums and memorabilia but they should also pack their financial records.

When a house goes up in flames often financial papers and financial security can go up in smoke.

"Insurance documents, wills, things like power of attorney, social security cards," said National Endowment for Financial Education spokesman Paul Golden.

Golden said having all your papers, including credit card information, in one portable container can make a huge difference during an evacuation.

Even with the help of shelters many evacuees said they still need money and resources. A new survey of Americans shows most of us aren't prepared for an emergency.

For those 65 years and older only 39 percent have six months of emergency savings and for those ages 18 to 29, 35 percent have no savings.