What To Do When Disaster Strikes

No one likes to think about disasters, but when it happens, time is your most precious resource. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, being ready to act can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Having a clear plan helps you stay calm and focused during emergencies. In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare for evacuation, manage an emergency, and recover afterward. We will also explain how estate planning can safeguard your loved ones’ future, even in the most challenging times. Let’s get started so you can learn how to protect what matters most and answer the question “What to do when disaster strikes?”.

Packing Smart When Time Is Tight

Imagine the type of emergency in which you have just 15 minutes to leave your home. What would you grab? It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but planning ahead can turn chaos into action. And, as we’re seeing with the hurricane that hit Asheville unexpectedly and the wildfires in Los Angeles, this is a scenario we all need to be ready for, and the time to plan is right now.

Start by packing a go-bag with the essentials you’d need if you had to leave in a hurry. Include chargers for your devices, as well as critical medical items like prescriptions, hearing aids, and oxygen if you or a loved one relies on them. Do not forget your pets! Pack a leash, carrier, food, and any medication they need. Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, home insurance info, and your estate plan should go in a waterproof folder that’s easy to grab. Don’t forget a first aid kit, clothing for a few days, and enough water to get by until help arrives. Create this bag now and keep it in a cool location in your home, ready to grab when needed. And it’s a good practice to always keep your car fueled and packed with essentials like blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable snacks.

Add a list to the bag with a reminder of the additions you’ll make on the fly. Put on the list anything you use on a regular basis that you don’t want packed away, but you know you would want to grab if you knew you’d never see it again, including things like collectibles, family jewelry, specific photos, and keepsakes. Make this list now and put it with your go bag, so you aren’t trying to think about what to grab in an emergency when you can’t think very clearly.

The key is to think ahead. Walk through your home room by room and decide what’s most important to you. Then create a checklist so you’re not scrambling when the clock is ticking. Create the checklist in an app on your phone so it’s accessible when you need it. These tips will help you on what to do when a disaster strikes.

How Do You Stay Safe in an Emergency?

When it’s time to evacuate, safety is your top priority. First, make sure everyone in your household knows the plan. Write emergency contact numbers on your forearm with a marker, especially for kids. This step could make all the difference if you get separated. Constrain pets to carriers or leashes so they are easy to transport.

Alert a non-local emergency contact about your plans. If you have neighbors who are elderly or vulnerable, check on them and make sure they know what to do.

As you leave, take steps to protect your home. If time allows, turn off your HVAC system and gas, and unplug appliances. Close all windows, doors, and gates, and place fireproof tarps over wood piles or outdoor furniture. These small actions can make a big difference if disaster reaches your doorstep.

Remember, the most important thing is to get out safely. Do not stay behind to try to save belongings. You can replace things, but you can’t replace lives. These are the tips that will help you answer, “How do you stay safe in an emergency?”.

Recovering and Rebuilding After Disaster

Once the immediate danger has passed, the recovery process begins. The first step is finding a safe place to stay, whether it’s with family, friends, or at a shelter. Take photos of any damage to your property before you begin cleaning up—these will be crucial for insurance claims.

Organize your paperwork early. Gather receipts for repairs, hotel stays, and any other disaster-related expenses. Contact your insurance provider to start your claim and keep detailed records of all conversations.

Recovery isn’t just about financial steps; it’s about emotional healing too. Connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. Support groups and community networks can help you process your feelings and find resources you might not know are available.

Most people may not think about estate planning as a tool that can greatly simplify the recovery process and make it more easeful – but only if you create a comprehensive and customized plan that is customized for you and prepared by a professional.

We can support you to designate a trusted individual as your financial power of attorney, so they can step in to handle urgent matters like accessing bank accounts or paying bills while you focus on rebuilding. Similarly, a healthcare power of attorney ensures your medical needs are met if you are injured or unable to make decisions. These are just two of many features that ensure your plan works when you need it to.

Finally, think about what you can do to prepare for the future. Rebuild with resilience in mind by using fireproof or flood-resistant materials. Restock your emergency kit and update your evacuation. Disasters can strike without warning, but every step you take now will make you stronger for the next time. Our mission is to always help you and just like the question “What to do when disaster strikes?”, we can be your resource and guide.

We are here to help you review your current Estate Plans or create a new one. Call our office at (480) 525-6244 or visit our website to schedule a free 30- Minutes Meet and Greet consultation.