Values

In a disaster, it’s likely we will need to be self sufficient because we are part of a possibly huge group of people who all need immediate help. FEMA recommends we prepare to be self sustaining for at least 72 hours.

Self Responsible – avoid being a part of a very large problem. See what the reality was in Paradise, CA in this video. “First responders care, but will be overwhelmed.”
Safe – protecting your people and valuables from harm and trauma
Timely – using time to your advantage to prepare before disaster and by pre evacuating (prevacuation) if that makes sense for you and your people
Resilient – bouncing back from challenges we can see coming
Wise – use of resources and tools, including available data, digital tools, and registration for response and recovery resources for which you qualify

Challenges

How to realistically prepare for future disasters without overdoing it.
How to prepare for the real possibility that no one will be able to help.
How to quickly communicate and act upon your plans to meet my family’s or team’s needs.

Actions to Take

Prepare Yourself

Set up an online folder to hold your key documents and data. Upload copies of your insurance policies (emailed to you, downloaded from the insurer’s website, or scanned using Google Drive). Upload videos and photos of all your key assets, anything worth over $100 or so. Upload copies of receipts if possible.
When a red flag warning arrives, update your videos of your home and belongings, even those in storage. Consider pre-evacuation for your people when possible.
Choose a trusted local organization to be your key source of information/verification of rumors, etc. Get to know them and let them know you before anything happens.
Keep your data in a standardized format, [like in this template], as that may help partner organizations read and understand your data more quickly if they are trying to help you.
Only share your information with people you have verified as trustworthy. Ask around, get references and advice from community members you know and trust before sharing your information. Good people don’t get pushy, they understand the importance of being careful with data.
Plan and prepare. The American Red Cross mobile app is free and very useful. Find advice, preparation templates, and links to the app on the Red Cross preparedness page
Have a written evacuation and recovery plan stored online and in your Grab & Go Bag or Box
Set up cloud storage for all important documents and hardcopies in your grab and go box. This is often available from your email or other digital provider (like Google, Apple, Microsoft, or Amazon).
Prepare for insurance claims with videos of your home and possessions, including receipts for valuable items like:
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Jewelry
- Furniture
- Sports or hobby equipment.
- Significant home improvements
Prevacuate – if risks are high, leave before something happens if that’s possible for you and your people. Yes, it’s a new word, but it’s a decision that can save your people from becoming climate casualties.

In the wake of a disaster, having your essential documents readily available can be crucial for navigating recovery and rebuilding your life. Storing copies of these documents off-site offers peace of mind and ensures accessibility even if your home is damaged or inaccessible. Here are some key household documents you should consider storing off-site for disaster recovery:

Identification and Vital Records:

Birth, marriage, death, and adoption certificates: These prove your identity and legal relationships.
Passports, driver’s licenses, and other government-issued IDs: Essential for personal identification and travel. Photos of these documents are good to store online, but also printing paper copies for your go bag is also a good idea.
Social Security cards: Protect these with utmost care due to their sensitive nature.

Financial and Legal Documents:

Property deeds and titles: Proof of ownership for your home and other properties.
Insurance policies: Homeowner’s, renter’s, vehicle, health, and any other relevant policies.
Financial statements: Bank account information, investment records, tax returns, and loan documents.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney: Ensure your legal wishes are documented and accessible.

Medical Records:

Medical histories, prescription lists, and vaccination records: Crucial for accessing healthcare and medications if needed. Start by asking your primary care doctor’s office to help you collect the records that will be useful in an emergency.
Proof of health insurance – your cards and coverage information brochures: Important for claiming medical expenses.

Storing Your Documents:

Consider using a fireproof and waterproof safe deposit box at a bank or another secure location.
Use cloud storage services with strong encryption and secure access protocols.
Regularly update your off-site copies with any changes or new documents acquired.
Consider adding a small USB drive copy of your documents to your GoBag as well, especially if you are not comfortable with digital storage in the cloud.

Remember, having backups of these documents off-site will save you valuable time and stress during the already challenging process of disaster recovery. Take your time to gather and secure these documents today, preparing for any potential future event.

For further guidance, you can also refer to Ready.gov, which offers comprehensive disaster preparedness checklists and valuable advice.

Avoid Being In A Disaster

Emergencies of most kinds can be planned for and managed. We have great people doing that in our city and county governments.

But, disaster happens when events outrun our best plans and efforts to manage them.

This happened in the Almeda fire when fire personnel were out paced by the speed of the fire and the lack of water (to protect a thousand homes).

Our role as family and business leaders is to put distance between ourselves and our people and any reasonable threat of disaster. This is where prevacuation might be an option to consider.

Now, leaving early can be a huge privilege, but those who CAN probably should if only to make life easier for those who cannot leave early and those first responders who are trying to help them.

If Disaster Strikes

Gather your people and what you need for immediate health and well-being.
Review this document for the steps to take immediately after the disaster.
Try to recover items of value that you can once it’s safe to return to your property.
Create a document to keep notes on your conversations with organizations and agencies.
- Note the date, time, the name of the person you spoke with, and any information they offer you, promises they make, as well as your next steps.
Record all case numbers in your data document
Make a note, ideally in your document online, of all your contacts with people helping you in recovery. Note:
- Who you spoke with (first and last names)
- Time and date of your conversation
- How you connected (live meeting, phone, email, chat, Zoom, other?),
- What they promised you or work you need to do for them
- Next steps and date to follow up with them
Keep one to-do list of everything you need to do to keep your recovery moving forward. Track the date you created the task, the due date and the date you completed the task.
Use a calendar to track follow up dates, when people have promised to get back with you, etc. This will allow you to advocate for yourself more clearly and powerfully.
Know that relief organizations like COAD, LTRG, RCH, ACCESS, OREM, etc. do not share information with law enforcement unless the situation requires them to be mandatory reporters of child abuse.

Recover

Register with the Disaster Case Management Program or other resource navigation program in your community.
Work with your case manager to refine and act on your recovery plan.
Keep taking notes and following up on your recovery tasks as best you can.

Self Responsible Citizens, Families, or Businesses