From Preparation to Recovery: When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes, 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’ll 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.

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, insulin, hearing aids, and oxygen if you or a loved one relies on them. Don’t 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 planning binder 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. It’s also a good practice to always keep your car fueled and packed with essentials like blankets, flashlights with batteries, 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’d 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.

Having an Updated Estate Plan is Your Secret Weapon in Disaster Preparedness

Estate Planning isn’t just about passing on your wealth when you’re gone; it’s also about protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are followed during your lifetime. In the context of disaster preparedness, it’s an often overlooked but essential tool.

If you have minor children, we offer a Shepherd and Protect Plan, having temporary guardians for minor children is critical. By naming permanent and temporary guardians, you can ensure your kids are cared for by people you trust if something happens to you - even if you aren’t able to care for them for a few days. This is especially important during chaotic and uncertain times.

An Estate Plan also helps protect your property. We can support you to create a fully funded living trust, which means your assets will bypass the court process, giving your loved ones immediate access to funds and resources they may need after a disaster. Together, we can also include provisions for rebuilding or maintaining your home in your absence.

By integrating Estate Planning into your disaster preparedness efforts, you’re not just planning for the worst—you’re building a framework for recovery and resilience. And most importantly, you’re protecting all the people you hold dear.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Disasters are unpredictable, but preparation is your best defense. By packing smart, acting swiftly, and focusing on recovery, you can protect what matters most. Estate Planning adds another layer of security, giving you peace of mind that your loved ones and assets are protected no matter what happens. Use this guide to create a plan that keeps your family safe and your mind at ease. Remember, preparation isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of challenges.

How We Can Help

As your Estate Planning Provider, we are here to help you prepare for and recover from disasters. When you work with us, we will:

  • Help you organize and protect crucial legal documents;

  • Review your insurance coverage to identify potential gaps;

  • Create (or update) your Estate Plan to include disaster contingencies; and

  • Guide you through the legal aspects of disaster recovery.

Remember, the time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Let Simpson Law Firm help you create a plan that protects what matters most.

Book a call here to learn how we can help you prepare for the unexpected:

This article is a service of Simpson Law Firm. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. We offer an Estate Planning session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and we will assist you in making all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by contacting us here, https://simpsonestatelaw.com/contact-us or calling us at 803-764-9555, and one of our friendly client service assistants will help you set up your consultation.




Holly Simpson