AmSouth Bank Media Alert: Hurricane Tips for Protecting Financial Information.

AmSouth Bank (NYSE: ASO):

What:   In anticipation of Hurricane Dennis striking the Gulf coast,
        AmSouth Bank is offering tips to consumers and small
        businesses so that they can protect their financial
        information. An AmSouth representative is available for
        interviews upon request.

Why:    Because AmSouth recognizes that often the preparations for
        severe storms center primarily upon protecting physical
        property and that many of us overlook the importance of
        securing our financial documents.

        Insurance industry estimates are that 50% of businesses that
        suffer major disasters are unable to resume operation.
        Thousands of U.S. small businesses fail each year because
        important financial records are destroyed due to fire, flood,
        tornado, hurricanes or other natural disaster.

When:   An AmSouth representative will be available throughout the
        day for interviews by phone or on-camera. Please call
        205-801-0105 to schedule an opportunity to review this
        important information with an AmSouth banker.

Contact David Webster at 205-581-7494 or Rick Swagler at 205-801-0105 for more information or to schedule an interview with an AmSouth banker on preparing financially for the storm.

Hurricane Preparedness for Your Financial Documents

Hurricane kits are an important staple for residents in coastal areas and even for their inland counterparts. Contents often include prescription medication, emergency phone numbers for evacuating, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, portable bedding and special needs items for children or senior citizens.

But what about preparing your financial documents for the storm season? Whether you're a homeowner or business owner, there are some important preparations you should make. AmSouth recommends that your financial hurricane preparations include the following:

Homeowners:

--Take these documents when you evacuate - mortgage/deed, titles to your home and automobiles, social security card(s), passport(s), insurance policies, will(s), birth and marriage certificates and recent tax records.

--Put them in a waterproof plastic bag or container - like those used by boaters, fisherman or divers. A good food storage bag that seals tightly will also work.

--Videotape - your home and its contents to ensure that you can recoup replacement costs, especially for valuable items.

--Safety Deposit Box - Place remaining important documents, jewels, or other valuables in a plastic storage bag and put them in your safety deposit box.

--Cash in your pocket - Have enough cash on hand to cover meals and accommodations for your family for up to 3 days.

Business Owners:

--Getting back to business - Make advance arrangements with key vendors to provide support services to get you back in business.

--Vendor phone list - Develop a vendor services list or database with key contact phone numbers to help you return your business to operation as soon as possible.

--What's covered - Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy, riders, etc.

--Records to take when you evacuate - Secure financial records such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll and banking information, as well as customer databases or information and employee records.

--Protecting your property - Protect your equipment, relocate it if possible. If not, elevate it above flood level, protect with plastic sheeting, plastic bags and duct tape.