From hurricanes and wildfires to floods and tornadoes, natural disasters may strike with little warning and leave lasting damage in their wake. While you may not be able to prevent these events, you may take steps to manage the risks to your home and finances and, hopefully, bounce back faster.
Whether you're preparing for the unexpected or recovering from the aftermath, these tips may help you stay safe, manage losses, and get back on your feet as much as possible under the circumstances.
Before the Disaster - Plan and Prepare
Here are some tips on things to do before a disaster strikes.
Build an Emergency Kit
Every household should have a basic disaster supply kit or "go bag." How you stock this kit may vary a bit by region, but each kit should include non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, and any essential documents.
More specifically, you should have the following:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day, for at least three days). If you can't store this much water in your home, consider something like a LifeStraw or other portable water filter.
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights, batteries, and chargers
- First aid supplies and medications
- Essential documents in waterproof containers
- Extra clothes, cash, pet supplies, and hygiene items
Update your kit regularly and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
Know Your Risks
Understand the types of disasters that are most likely in your area—whether it's hurricanes on the East Coast, wildfires and earthquakes on the West Coast, or tornadoes in the South and Midwest. Use tools like FEMA’s risk map to identify vulnerabilities in your area and plan accordingly.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Designate meeting places, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes. Make sure every family member—kids included—knows the plan. Include where to go, whom to call, and what to bring. Rehearse the plan at least once a year to make sure everyone in your household remembers.
Safeguard Essential Documents
Store critical paperwork—IDs, insurance policies, financial records, birth certificates—in a waterproof and fireproof safe or digitally in the cloud. If your home is damaged, getting access to these documents may speed up your recovery.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Natural disasters often reveal gaps in coverage. Double-check your policies. Does your homeowner’s policy cover flooding or earthquakes? (Hint: usually not). Are your belongings covered at replacement value or at a much lower actual cash value? Do you have enough coverage to rebuild your home?
Talk with your insurer about add-ons or separate policies (like flood or wildfire insurance) to fill in the gaps.
Safeguard Your Home
Depending on where you live, you may take steps to manage the impact of natural disasters. Trim trees and clear your gutters. Install storm shutters and shatter-resistant windows. Seal your roof and add fire-resistant landscaping. Elevate your utility connections if you're in a flood zone. Spending time and investing in these safeguards now may save you later.
Backup Your Data
Store digital copies of personal and financial files securely online. This includes photos, receipts, medical records, and tax documents. If your devices are destroyed or inaccessible, you need to have access to your essential information.
During the Disaster - Stay Calm, Stay Safe
Here are some tips on what to do while the disaster is happening.
Follow Emergency Alerts
Sign up for local alerts via text, app, or email. Weather radios may also help in areas with unreliable power. Pay attention to evacuation orders and don’t wait until it’s too late to evacuate if necessary.
Don’t Take Risks
Don’t drive through flooded roads or try to “ride out” an evacuation order. While evacuating may be a significant inconvenience, safety is paramount. And remember that disasters are unpredictable—be ready to change plans quickly.
After the Disaster- Recover and Rebuild Smartly
Here are some tips on things to do after a disaster1.
Contact Your Insurance Company ASAP
Usually, the sooner you file a claim, the better, to help your recovery process begin. Document all damage with photos or videos before cleaning up. Keep a detailed record of the dates of the damage, conversations with insurance adjusters, any temporary repair costs, and receipts for hotel stays or emergency supplies.
Beware of Scams and Fraud
Unfortunately, natural disasters may bring out scammers offering fake repairs, raising money for fake charities, or taking advantage of identity theft opportunities.
Guard yourself by vetting contractors, including checking their licenses and reviews. Do not pay upfront in cash. Using a credit card may help you if you need to claw back a payment. Avoid unsolicited calls or door-to-door offers, and donate only to trusted charities. FEMA and the Federal Trade Commission have resources for reporting and avoiding disaster fraud.
Apply for Assistance
You may qualify for federal, state, or local aid. FEMA disaster relief, Small Business Administration loans for repairs, unemployment assistance, and food programs are available after major disasters.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Recovering from a natural disaster may take an emotional toll. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Free or low-cost counseling might be available after disasters.
Helping kids process the event is just as important. Talk with them about what happened and reassure them that they're safe. Belongings may always be replaced, but people can't.
Rebuild with Resilience in Mind
If you're repairing or rebuilding, consider upgrades that may help your home withstand future disasters. This might include fire-resistant materials, elevated foundations, better drainage, and impact-resistant roofing. Some of these types of improvements may also help lower your insurance premiums.
Review and Update Your Plan
Once the dust settles, review what worked and what didn’t. Update your emergency plan, restock your supplies, and reassess your insurance and financial readiness. Use the experience to be better prepared for next time.
Final Thought - The Value of Preparation
You can’t control the weather, but you may control how you prepare, respond, and recover. Investing time now in planning may make all the difference when a disaster strikes. Whether you're just starting your emergency plan or bouncing back from a recent event, know that you’re not alone. Community members, financial professionals, government agencies, and nonprofits may help.
Important Disclosures:
This article was prepared by WriterAccess.
LPL Tracking #733170
Footnotes:
1 Do you need help after a disaster? https://www.disasterassistance.gov