Available at www.jhfunds.com BOSTON, June 30
BOSTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Hancock Funds is making
available on its web site a complimentary, eight-page Emergency Checklist
brochure that investors may download and print, as a way to help prepare for
emergencies. In addition to being available on the web site, www.jhfunds.com,
it may also be obtained by calling (800) 225-5291.
"With the onset of the 2008 hurricane season and the recent spate of
weather-related events in the news, we want to make it easier for families to
cover the most important areas in becoming prepared for emergencies, whether
of a personal or financial nature," said Carey Foran Hoch, Vice President of
Marketing for John Hancock Funds. "When you're in the midst of a crisis, it's
hard to think clearly and calmly about the best course of action. That's why
we urge people to do the preparation now, which will certainly make life
simpler later."
A recent survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revealed
that nearly half of Americans say they are not fully prepared for an
emergency. Even when it comes to pets, only 25% have a plan in place to care
for their pet in case of emergency.
The Emergency Checklist is available in a "fillable PDF" format, making it
easy to update information. Under the Personal section, the brochure provides
space to list contact names and phone numbers, medications and dosages,
allergies, doctors, dentists, insurance information, day care providers,
school contacts, and veterinarian. Under the Financial section, there are
sections to be filled out for bank and investment accounts, mortgages, loans,
credit cards, lawyer, accountant and financial advisor.
John Hancock advises families to store copies of the completed Emergency
Checklist in locations that are easily accessible by key individuals. It is
also advisable to give printed copies, in a sealed envelope marked "For an
Emergency," to those persons. Including people who are a significant distance
away from your home, in case it is your local area that experiences an
emergency, is another good idea. Providing a copy to your financial advisor is
also an essential part of planning for an emergency.
The Emergency Checklist is among the top five "most requested" brochures
available from John Hancock Funds.
About John Hancock Funds
The Boston-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial
Services, John Hancock Funds manages more than $54.1 billion in open-end
funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, retirement plans and related party
assets for individual and institutional investors at March 31, 2008. John
Hancock Funds are distributed by John Hancock Funds, LLC, member FINRA. For
more information, please visit http://www.jhfunds.com.
John Hancock Financial Services is a unit of Manulife Financial
Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving
millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as
Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in
the United States, the company offers clients a diverse range of financial
protection products and wealth management services through its extensive
network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management
by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$400 billion (US$389
billion) at March 31, 2008. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on
the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial may be
found on the Internet at http://www.manulife.com.
SOURCE John Hancock Funds
