How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster: Hurricanes and Wildfires

What you will discover:

How should I prepare to flee if I am ordered to do so during a wildfire?
How should I plan to evacuate in advance of a hurricane?
What should I bring with me if I have to evacuate?
How should I prepare for an insurance claim if one is required during a storm or wildfire?

Wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes may all inflict huge destruction and loss of life. While catastrophes cannot be avoided, there are steps you can take to prepare in case a wildfire or storm strikes near to home. Preparation includes securing your house to prevent damage, carrying your insurance paperwork and contact information, and having a good emergency plan in place to keep you and your family safe.

Here are some pointers to help you prepare for various occasions.

How should I prepare to flee if I am ordered to do so during a wildfire?

It is never an easy choice to evacuate your house due to wildfires. Leaving your home behind may be devastating. However, keep in mind that your belongings are covered and that money may be replaced. It is critical that you pay attention to evacuation orders when they are issued since they are not provided carelessly. If you live in a high-risk location for wildfires, you should create a wildfire emergency plan for your family to follow. This keeps you calm and provides you with a checklist so you do not forget anything crucial.

As part of your emergency plan, you should have a supply kit and luggage packed and ready to leave. You might include priceless valuables, as well as food and first aid supplies. You may also do a variety of things to assist safeguard your house and neighbors throughout the event. Ready for Wildfire has a great list of important reminders.

How should I plan to evacuate in advance of a hurricane?

Evacuation from a hurricane is quite similar to evacuation from a wildfire. Prepare ahead of time and depart when requested. You should have an emergency plan in place, as well as your luggage packed and ready. You should also prepare your house and surrounding surroundings for the storm. This might involve boarded-up windows, securing outside goods, and bringing outside furniture inside. You should prepare ahead of time for your location in both evacuation scenarios. Remember that if an evacuation order is issued, the roads will be clogged with other people attempting to get out as well. Plan your journey ahead of time. The National Hurricane Survival Initiative gives good preparation suggestions.

What should I bring with me if I have to evacuate?

As part of your safety strategy, keep a checklist of items to bring with you. When you are trying to get out of harm’s path, it is all too easy to overlook even the most apparent things. You should include the following items in your list:

All family members are now present at the house.
All animals and pets.
Prepare an emergency supplies pack.
Here are the directions to your location.
Radio that runs on batteries.
Photos/video/inventory of belongings for insurance purposes. You may also backup these files to the cloud.
Contact information for your insurance carrier, as well as copies of your insurance policy documentation.
If possible, save irreplaceable goods and mementos.

How should I prepare for an insurance claim if one is required during a storm or wildfire?

Preparing for a potential insurance claim is having the necessary information on hand and documenting the “before” and “after” state of your property and valuables.

Insurance Information: Before leaving your house, make sure you have your insurance company’s and agent’s contact information. This will make it much simpler to contact your agent directly and begin the claim filing process.

Pre-Disaster Property and Belongings Documentation: Make an inventory of your possessions and photograph or film the inside and outside of your house as well as the neighboring property. You should bring any documents with you to ensure you have it after the event. This might contain your insurance, any images, or a pre-event inventory of your valuables.

Documenting Post-Disaster Property, Damage, and Losses: If feasible, take photographs and videos of the damage when you return home. Do not begin cleaning until you have recorded all of the damage to your property and valuables with photographs, video, and written notes. For your claim, you must properly record your property and any damage. This will provide documentation for you to show to your insurance provider, allowing them to clearly identify the magnitude of your damages.

If your insurance claim is refused, you may create a free personalized Request for Information About Insurance Denial paper. If you have expenditures or damage that insurance would not cover, you may want to consider making a FEMA claim if you qualify.

Even the most severe calamities may be mitigated with proper planning. We hope this information is useful in getting you started. We urge that you consult a lawyer if you have any legal issues, whether they be concerning an insurance claim or a personal injury.