During the 2005 Atlantic tropical hurricane season there were many bankruptcies from small businesses and individuals who could not pay their bills. All along the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and many people in Florida had lost everything including their jobs, their homes and had no way to support themselves or pay the bills.

Luckily FEMA was able to come forth with monies, but generally it was not enough for them and the checks came too late. Anyone who is ever done business with the government of the United States of America knows that they never pay their bills on time for services rendered and it should not be surprising that FEMA did not cut checks to the people in their time of need in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

It is essential that individuals and small businesses keep their debt to a minimum if they live in a hostile hurricane territory or regions known for hurricane strikes along the shoreline. Even though the bankruptcy laws have changed in the United States over the last year, a person can still get relief if it is absolutely necessary without destroying too much of their credit.

The small business administration also has loans available to help with debt consolidation and perhaps that is a way to prevent bankruptcy of your small business or loss of your personal assets. All these things you should consider in 2006.