(July 24, 2020) LAREDO, Texas - With hurricane season upon us, IBC Bank is encouraging customers to adequately prepare by assessing their home's risk and developing emergency plans to protect against a potential storm.

"Hurricane preparation can greatly reduce the aftershock of natural disasters," said Dennis E. Nixon, IBC Bank -Laredo Chairman and CEO. "IBC Bank has taken proactive measures to ensure that we are prepared and that our customers' funds remain protected and accessible during hazardous weather conditions."

This year, it is important to continue that proactive effort and to ensure that operations, communications and customer education programs are in place so that the effects of any natural disaster on the banking industry, its branch network and most importantly, its customers, will be minimized.  

To make sure your family and home are equally protected, IBC Bank offers the following tips:  

• Know your risk. FEMA's map service center will show you the flood risk for your community, which helps determine the type of flood insurance coverage you will need. Flood insurance should be a necessity, as standard homeowners' insurance doesn't cover flooding and may have different deductibles for storm damage. 

• Talk to your insurance agent or broker. A good flood insurance policy can be a financial lifesaver following a damaging event such as a hurricane - but even good policies may have restrictions. Talk to your agent so you understand what your policy does and does not cover.

• Assemble an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, at least three days of non-perishable foods and water, towels and a supply of any necessary medications. Stay informed of the storm's path and progress by monitoring Wireless Emergency Alerts via text message and having a battery-powered radio or TV available.

• Develop a family communications plan. Know how you will contact one another; how you will get back together, if separated; and what you will do in different situations. Having a plan can eliminate some of the stress and confusion. 

• Establish an evacuation route. Prior to a storm, contact your local American Red Cross to locate the shelter nearest you or download their Shelter Finder App. Identify the safest route to get there. Be sure to check if your local emergency shelter allows animals and family pets. 

• Secure your home. Outdoor furniture and other objects can pose a potential hazard. Turn off propane tanks and other utilities if instructed to do so by emergency personnel. 

• Protect financial documents.  In the event of a disaster, you will need identification and financial documents to begin the recovery process. Safeguard important documents in a bank safety deposit box, computer storage devices (USB drive, CD/DVD), and/or waterproof storage containers, including:
  •   -Personal identification (driver's licenses, birth certificates, military IDs, passports, etc.)
  •   -Financial account information (checking, savings, retirement and investment accounts, credit/debit cards).
  •   -Insurance policies on all personal property, including appraisals and lists and photos of valuable items.
  •   -Ownership or leasing documentation for homes and vehicles (deeds, titles, registrations, rental agreements, etc.)
  •   -All health and medical insurance documentation.

The FEMA website, Ready.gov, also offers tips on preparing for an emergency, including: a free app that is available for download through your smart phone and an emergency financial first aid kit to help keep your finances well-organized during a potential storm. For more resources, visit the FEMA site: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes or visit the CDC website for more information on how the COVID - 19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery.

About IBC Bank

IBC Bank and Commerce Bank are divisions of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $12.5 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 187 facilities and 284 ATMs serving 88 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of the customers and the communities it has been serving since 1966. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook and Instagram page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.