EVANSVILLE, Ind., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of National Preparedness Month, First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding consumers to take proactive steps to safeguard their financial well-being and better prepare for, and recover from, unplanned life events.

“While not every emergency is preventable, advance planning can lessen the financial fallout,” said Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. “As your trusted community banker, we can help with financial planning before, during, and after an emergency—so you can focus on the health and safety of your loved ones while reducing financial stress.

ICBA and First Federal Savings Bank offer several financial preparedness tips as customers prepare and regain their financial wherewithal following a natural disaster.

  • Establish an emergency fund specifically for crises and keep some cash on hand in case ATMs or digital banking services are temporarily down.
  • Secure essential documents such as insurance policies, property deeds, and medical powers of attorney in a waterproof and fireproof container or digitally on a secure platform.
  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of personal and household valuables and use photo or video to document their value and determine replacement costs.
  • Prepare a backup communication plan if both cellular and landline services falter.
  • Evaluate your coverage for natural disasters, especially flood insurance, which is often separate from homeowners’ policies. Consult your insurance agent or visit Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website for more information and to download an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit with additional resources to get started planning today.

“Community bankers often serve on the front lines in times of crisis,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romeo Rainey. “Call on them to help you prepare, and if disaster strikes, help you navigate the financial recovery process.”

For more information on crisis preparedness visit ICBA’s website at icba.org/crisis-preparedness.

About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC

First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana’s Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.


Media Contacts
Courtney Schmitt 
cschmitt@fbei.net
(812) 492-8295

Nicole Swann
Nicole.swann@icba.org
(202) 821-4458
@ICBA_nswann

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