Get InformedWinging it is not an emergency plan. You need to do a little homework beforehand.

Start by learning about the kinds of emergencies that are most likely to occur in your area and the special plans you should make. The American Red Cross has a resource library (http://rdcrss.org/19gG5Vc) with printable fact sheets and checklists for almost

any emergency.

Familiarize yourself with reliable sources of information and warning systems that you can turn to in times of trouble. Visit the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security’s website (http://bit.ly/1FcpnWk) for information about emergency alerts in the state. You can sign up for Idaho-specific

safety and security alerts at the Idaho State Alert and Warning System website (http://bit.ly/RqYcjv). The Red Cross has links (http://rdcrss.org/1BCCaLX) to a variety of specialized mobile phone apps that will help keep you informed.

Make a PlanYour family might not be together when a crisis strikes. Talk about how you will connect with one another, get back together if separated, or evacuate. Identify someone you trust who lives out of the area who family members can contact. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a printable communication plan for families (http://1.usa.gov/18w3Y5t) and other checklists that will help you and your loved ones stay on the same page in an emergency. You can also connect through the Red Cross’ “Safe and Well” website (http://bit.ly/1fIqPhP).

Gear UpDuring a crisis it might take days before help arrives, so you’ll need at least three days of essential supplies in an easy-to-carry kit.

Your kit should be customized to meet your specific needs such as medications, infant formula, or pet supplies. FEMA has an extensive checklist (http://1.usa.gov/1gj9B9v) that you can download. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has a great flow chart (http://bit.ly/1tKnxY7) that will help you plan what to stash in your kit. In general, though, all emergency kits should have:

■■ A gallon of water per person, per day and at least three days worth of nonperishable food. (Don’t forget forks, knives and a can opener.)

■■ First aid and sanitation supplies.■■ A flashlight and radio with extra batteries.■■ A seven-day supply of prescription medications.■■ Printed copies of emergency contact information

and essential personal documents (e.g. birth certificates, passports, medical information, deed/lease to your home, insurance policies).

■■ Extra cash.■■ Weather-appropriate clothes and blankets

or sleeping bags.Don’t forget to store your kit where it is easily accessible. You also should check your kit and replace the stock every six months.

idahohousing.comPlan ahead for an emergency.

Information for IHFA Homeowners Winter 2015

Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in an Emergency

HomeSenseTake Advantage of Free Housing Counseling at the First Sign of Trouble

If you think you might be unable to make a mortgage payment free help is available. Idaho Housing and Finance Association

(IHFA) provides free HUD-approved housing counseling to all Idahoans regardless of whether their loan is with IHFA.

The sooner you get in touch with a housing counselor, the more time you have to address your concerns. Four out of five people who receive counseling have a positive outcome. To get started, visit preventforeclosurenow.org, call 1.877.888.3135 or email mortgageserv@ihfa.org to discuss your situation and talk about what options might be available.

Experienced housing counselors at each IHFA branch office conduct confidential interviews with clients to discuss their housing needs and help them find resources to meet housing challenges. Counselors are skilled at helping borrowers who are faced with sudden financial difficulties. Counselors can’t provide financial assistance, but they can:

■■ Identify resources and solutions for housing problems.

■■ Provide short- or long-term financial planning tools.

■■ Review credit reports and help with a debt-reduction plan.

■■ Prioritize your budget with housing stability in mind.

■■ Identify solutions for maintaining necessary utilities.

A natural disaster or emergency can happen any time. Whether it’s a fire, a flood, or a flu epidemic, the better you prepare your home and family ahead of time, the better you’ll weather any emergency.

ProgramSenseWin $100 By Making Your Mortgage Payments OnlinePaying your Idaho Housing mortgage online will save you money on postage and save you the time it takes to write a check. It also could make you a winner. If you make your payment online and on time for three consecutive months, you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a $100 gift card to a home improvement store near you in IHFA’s online payment promotion.

Recent winners Daniel and Brandie of Post Falls have been making their mortgage payments online ever since moving into their new home in 2008. “Paying online is much more convenient and eliminates one hassle in

Minor repairs and maintenance are part of the joy — and sorrow — of owning a home. Check out these handy online resources that could save you from costly mistakes.

Do Your HomeworkThis article from Lifehacker (http://bit.ly/1cxsrJK) is full of great tips for learning basic home improvement skills. Don’t miss the section about knowing when to call in a pro.

Put These Apps in Your ToolboxWading through hundreds of home improvement apps can be daunting. Gizmodo (http://bit.ly/13U3I3N) did the heavy lifting for you with a page full of apps that will help you do everything from plan a project to paint a house.

Pro TipsYou may not be a professional contractor, but you can benefit from their expertise. Check out these simple and creative solutions (http://bit.ly/NEW7ie) from the DIY Network.

Norm!OK, legendary carpenter Norm Abram didn’t write them, but this massive library of how-to and repair tips (http://bit.ly/1FXzzTc) surely makes the star of the PBS series “This Old House” proud.

This Makes Sense HouseLogic, a website sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS®, has a section dedicated to preventative home improvement (http://bit.ly/1ILmQ1X). Don’t miss the seasonal checklists.

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To view past HomeSense newsletter issues, please visit the newsroom at idahohousing.com. To order additional copies or to offer comments, please contact the IHFA Marketing and Communications Department at 208.331.4858 or marcomm@ihfa.org. For questions about your home loan, contact IHFA Mortgage Services at 800.526.7145.

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my life,” Brandie said. Daniel and Brandie’s microwave recently broke so they are excited to have this gift card to help replace it.

It’s easy to join Daniel and Brandie. Make sure you know your loan and Social Security number, then go to idahohousing.com and click on “Home Loans.” From there, click “Make A Payment” and you’ll be able to sign up.

Daniel and Brandie of Post Falls

Idaho Housing Nonprofits Ring in the New Year with $273,000 in DonationsThousands of Idahoans will have access to safe, stable housing this year thanks to the Home Partnership Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and its nonprofit partners throughout the state. In December, the Foundation’s Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge fundraiser provided a $273,398 boost to 29 organizations that provide essential housing services throughout Idaho.

To see how your favorite nonprofit fared or to get involved in next year’s fundraiser, go to avenuesforhope.org. Get updates throughout the year on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HomePartnershipFoundation) and Twitter (@avenuesforhope).