Crisis Management

hiya!

So, last Wednesday, as I was going through the employee handbook and orientation materials for my new part-time job at Caribu Coffee... my purse was stolen.

Everything was inside it, including my social security card because I needed to prove my employment status and what not. My phone, AMEX, Discover Card, Chase debit card, license and house keys were in it. Not to mention the mini lotions, sun screens, mints and lip glosses I have grown to love (and rely on).

This blog entry will be about how to handle this crisis and be prepared for it as well.

Okay... for the preparedness side of things. Memorize at least 3 close family members and friends numbers. This will help you out much more than you know. Make sure a close friend has a copy of your keys as well as your landlords number. (this close friend should be one of the numbers you have memorized)

At home have one file, unmarked with all your credit card and bank account numbers and customer service numbers. Give them a call and they'll know what to do. It also isn't a bad idea to give this info to a parent or very trusted friend. That way you can cancel things ASAP and not have to wait until you get home.

Second, call the police. Usually 311 is the non-emergency number. Report everything and describe it with as much detail as possible. This will help you record the full value of things that were lost. Ask for a copy of the report and make sure you've got a number to contact the station if you need to.

If you've got renters insurance you may be able to make a claim. (This is where recording everything is important). The way renters insurance works is that you have to estimate the cost to replace everything new. So the phone that you lost might have only cost you $50 but if you don't have an upgrade or incentive available from your wireless carrier... it could cost you $150!

Finally... get over it. It is just stuff! You'll be able to replace the credit cards, trinkets and most likely pictures (they're all digital now anyways). And... you'll never leave your purse on the back corner of your chair again!

Coming up next... quick (and cheap) tricks for cooking FAB food at home!

For now, be save (hang on to those purses) and have a good rest of the week!

Loves!!