The North Carolina Attorney General's Office warns that people who receive checks for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income by mail may be vulnerable during an evacuation for a hurricane or natural disaster. Checks left in mailboxes are vulnerable to theft. The Post Office would not know where to forward your mail to if you evacuate in a hurry.

Officials say the safest way to get your checks is through direct deposit. That means your checks can't get stolen from your mailbox and will never be delayed through the mail.

To sign up for direct deposit for Social Security, call the Go Direct helpline at (800) 333-1795, visit www.GoDirect.org. You may also visit your local bank or Social Security Administration office

People who do not have bank accounts can also sign up for the Direct Express card. It's a prepaid debit card that gives you a safe way to
get your Social Security payments. To sign up for the card, call (888) 212-9991 or visit www.USDirectExpress.com online.