Weathering the Storm: How Families Can Plan for Natural Disasters

After just being hit in Florida by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we know planning for natural disasters is more than just stocking up on canned food and water. In a natural disaster, food and water will keep you alive, but how do we rebuild our lives when our home and communities have been devastated? Our hearts go out to all those suffering at this time. Together, as a community we will build up and grow stronger.

Florida will always be facing the “Eye of the Storm”. As such, we think it’s important to earn how you and your family can plan for future natural disasters with some simple tips that will help you get back on your feet should disaster strike again.

Make sure you have enough insurance. Basic homeowner’s insurance typically won’t cover damage caused by natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. You might need to purchase additional insurance to cover these types of events. 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 in the cloud is a 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% 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 and documents 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.

It’s also a good idea to work with us. We have unique tools that can safeguard your information to make recovering from a natural disaster easier – even when you’ve lost so much.

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 may get to in case your home is destroyed. 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. We can help you with the legal, financial, and insurance issues you face after a natural disaster and help you properly account for losses on your tax return.

Proper preparation and estate planning can keep your family out of conflict, out of court, and out of the public eye. Are you ready to protect your loved ones and legacy?

Click here to schedule your complimentary 30-minute Legacy Planning Meeting with us!

This article is a service of Florida Wills & Trusts Law. 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.

This content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Florida Wills & Trusts Law. 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.