Be Ready for Anything: How to Prepare, Stay Safe, and Recover from Disaster

Disasters strike fast. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, the key to protecting your family is having a plan—before an emergency happens. Knowing what to do can help you stay calm, act quickly, and protect what matters most.

Let’s walk through three critical steps: preparing for evacuation, staying safe during an emergency, and rebuilding after disaster. Plus, I’ll share how estate planning plays a surprising role in making recovery easier for you and your loved ones.

Step 1: Pack Smart—Before You Need It

Imagine you have 15 minutes to evacuate. What would you grab? Planning ahead can turn panic into action.

Here’s what to do now:
✅ Pack a go-bag. Include essentials like phone chargers, medications, pet supplies, and a few days’ worth of clothing and food. Keep copies of important documents (birth certificates, insurance info, estate plan) in a waterproof folder.
✅ Keep a running checklist. Some items, like heirlooms or specific keepsakes, can’t stay in a bag year-round. Write down what you’d grab at the last minute, so you don’t have to think about it under stress.
✅ Prep your car. Keep it fueled and stocked with flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable snacks.

Having these things ready means you won’t waste valuable time scrambling if you ever need to leave in a hurry.

Step 2: Stay Safe During the Crisis

When it’s time to evacuate, safety comes first.

📌 Make sure everyone knows the plan. Write emergency contact numbers on your forearm (especially for kids) in case you get separated. Keep pets leashed or in carriers.

📌 Check on neighbors. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, make sure they know what’s happening and have a way out.

📌 Protect your home if there’s time. Shut off your HVAC and gas, unplug appliances, and close windows and doors. Small steps can make a big difference in reducing damage.

Most importantly: Get out safely. You can replace things, but you can’t replace lives.

Step 3: Recovering and Rebuilding After Disaster

The immediate danger may pass, but recovery takes time. Here’s how to move forward:

📸 Document the damage. Take photos before starting cleanup—these are crucial for insurance claims.

📑 Track expenses. Keep all receipts for hotel stays, repairs, and other costs related to the disaster.

💬 Seek support. Recovery isn’t just financial—it’s emotional too. Connect with support groups or local resources that can help.

How Estate Planning Helps in a Disaster

Most people don’t think about estate planning as part of disaster preparedness, but it plays a crucial role in making recovery smoother.

✅ Financial Power of Attorney: If you’re injured or unable to act, this allows someone you trust to access bank accounts and handle urgent matters.

✅ Healthcare Power of Attorney: Ensures your medical wishes are followed if you can’t communicate them yourself.

✅ Kids Protection Plan: If you have minor children, naming guardians ensures they’ll be cared for by people you trust—even in temporary emergencies.

✅ Living Trust: A properly structured trust allows your loved ones to access funds quickly without waiting on court processes.

By including these in your Life & Legacy Plan, you create a safety net for yourself and your loved ones—not just for after you’re gone, but for life’s unexpected events, too.

Take Action Now—Before It’s Too Late

The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Let’s create a plan that protects your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.

This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. 

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.