Weathering the Storm: How Families Can Plan for Natural Disasters Estate Planning
The recent wind-driven wildfires in our area serve as a daunting reminder of
the importance of proper planning in the event of a natural disaster. Planning
for natural disasters is more than just stocking up on canned food and water.
Although food and water will keep you alive, how will you rebuild your life if
your home and community are devastated? Here are some simple tips that will
help you get back on your feet should disaster strike.
Make sure you have enough insurance. Although basic homeowner’s insurance
typically cover damage caused by fire, wind, and most wind-driven rain damage,
it won’t cover damage caused by earthquakes. Consider purchasing additional
insurance through the California Earthquake Authority to cover earthquake
damage. If you’d like an objective review of the types and amounts of insurance
you have, contact us, we can help.
Keep a thorough inventory of what you own. Having up to date information on
your personal belongings—especially valuables—will make getting them replaced
using your insurance claim easier. Pictures of your belongings stored digitally
in the cloud is one great way to handle this in advance of any natural
disasters.
Create a financial plan. Natural disasters can be financially disastrous as
well. You may not be able to return to work and could face the expense of
repairing—or rebuilding—your home.
Plan well to ensure you can meet your expenses and make a financial
recovery. Account for your insurance deductibles, which can be 10-20% (or
more!) of the total damages and have six month’s salary in savings to cover any
gaps in your ability to earn an income.
Protect important information by making digital and hard copies. Put a copy
in a fireproof/waterproof safe and give copies to friends or family that reside
outside of your area for safekeeping.
Follow standard safety recommendations. Keep enough non-perishable food and
water for your family for 3-5 days. Consider investing in a generator. Build a
first-aid kit, and learn CPR as a family.
Keep a comprehensive emergency kit with contact information, survival tools,
and a change of clothes for your family members. Designate a meeting place all
family members can get to in case your home is wiped out. And talk with your
family about what to do in different scenarios.
Families who have someone watching out for them can recover more quickly
from natural disasters. Working with us can ensure you have someone waiting to
assist you when you face tragedy. As an attorney dedicated to serving clients
for life, we can help you with the legal, financial, and insurance issues you
face after a natural disaster.
This article is a service of Law Offices of David F. Calkins. We ensure you
make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and
the people you love. Our practice areas include comprehensive Trust and Estate
Planning, Insurance Claim Guidance, and Personal Injury Litigation.
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