I recently received a video call from my sister. The wind was whipping through her hair, and in the background, a fire was rapidly spreading across the mountains from Eaton to Henninger Flats. The sky glowed in shades of deep red, the color of Mars. Her home in Kinneloa Canyon, Pasadena, was without power or water, and evacuation was imminent. Within 10 minutes of that call, she had no choice but to leave.

She asked me, “Do I leave, and what should I do before I go?”

Having worked through many national disasters as a public insurance adjuster, I have seen first-hand how critical it is to be prepared. I’ve been through Oklahoma tornadoes since 2007, including the devastating 2013 Newcastle-South OKC-Moore tornado that caused $2 billion in damage, and the 2009 Midwest City/Choctaw wildfire, which impacted 909 homes. Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation before disaster strikes is key.

Most people know that they should prepare long before the emergency arrives. However, when disaster is imminent, there are a few crucial things you can do in the short amount of time you have to act.

Immediate Steps for Safety

1. Assess Your Time: Your safety and the safety of your family are paramount. If in doubt, leave everything behind. No possessions are worth more than your life.

2. Gather Important Documents: If you have a few minutes, grab your important documents. These should include medicines, identification, passports, deeds, wills, vehicle registrations, ownership proofs, and insurance policy documents.

3. Record Your Home’s Contents: One of the most important steps you can take in the midst of an emergency is to document your home. Use your phone to take a quick video, capturing all the rooms and any valuables inside. Open drawers and cabinets to show what’s inside. This video will help you build an accurate list of possessions for your insurance claim after the disaster. This task should take less than five minutes but can be invaluable.

Proactive Steps for Long-Term Preparedness

1. Review Your Insurance Policy Regularly: Make sure your home and personal property are adequately insured. Review your policy yearly to ensure you are protected against the risks that may affect you.

2. Use the Cloud for Receipts: Consider creating an online cloud file for receipts of valuable items like electronics, furniture, and other big-ticket purchases. Keep this file updated with every new purchase.

3. Take Annual Photos of Your Home: Every year, take photos of each room in your home, shooting from multiple angles. This helps you have a visual record of your possessions in case of a loss.

4. Consider Strengthening Your Home: Check into programs like the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, which provides grants for homeowners to make repairs using the FORTIFIED construction method. This strengthens homes against extreme weather, and insurance companies offer discounts on premiums once the construction is complete.

5. Build a “Go Bag”: A go bag is an emergency kit that includes essentials like water, food, emergency blankets, lighting, first aid supplies, sturdy shoes, spare glasses, personal hygiene items, emergency cash, and a change of clothes. Keep it sealed and untouched—only open it when you are forced to leave in an emergency.

Facing the Reality of Disaster

My sister’s home was spared from the Eaton Fire, but many of her friends and coworkers were not so fortunate. Living in places like California, where wildfires are an unfortunate regular occurrence, or Oklahoma, where tornadoes are a certainty, can be overwhelming and stressful. But, knowing that you’re prepared helps give you a sense of control in situations that are often beyond our power to change.

Being prepared not only helps us respond more effectively in emergencies, but it also provides a sense of confidence and resilience. Knowing that you’ve done everything you can to protect your family and your property can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

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