In the wake of natural disasters like the recent LA fires, the importance of emergency preparedness has never been clearer. For many families, evacuations come with little warning, and being unprepared can lead to significant stress and loss. While no one can predict the future, creating a solid emergency plan can make all the difference.
Here are actionable, practical tips—including some you may not have heard before—to help you protect what matters most: your family, your home, and your legacy.
1. Prepare Grab-and-Go Bags for Every Family Member
Cody Barbo, CEO of Trust & Will and a self-described “practical prepper,” emphasizes the importance of grab-and-go bags. These are essential kits that include:
Basic first aid supplies
Non-perishable food and water
Important medications
Flashlights and batteries
Copies of identification and key documents (or access to digital backups)
Keep one in every vehicle and ensure each family member knows where their bag is stored at home.
2. Build Load-Out Boxes for Quick Evacuations
For longer-term preparedness, Barbo recommends load-out boxes—containers pre-packed with essentials for immediate evacuation. These boxes should include clothing, hygiene products, and tools to support a few days of survival if displaced from your home.
3. Protect Key Documents Digitally
While fireproof safes are a popular choice for storing important documents, Barbo points out that extreme heat from fires can compromise even these. Instead, secure your estate planning documents in a digital format. Trust & Will's digital vault allows members to store their documents in the cloud, making them safe from natural disasters and accessible when they need them most.
4. Record Your Surroundings as You Evacuate
This lesser-known tip could save you significant time and stress if you need to file an insurance claim after a disaster: take a video of your home as you evacuate. Documenting your surroundings provides clear evidence of your possessions and their condition, simplifying the claims process with your insurance company.
5. Plan for Different Timeframes
Emergencies vary in urgency, so your plans should account for different scenarios:
Five-Minute Evacuation: Focus solely on your family, pets, and grab-and-go bags.
Thirty-Minute Evacuation: Include load-out boxes, additional supplies, and sentimental items.
Two-Hour Evacuation: Consider packing valuables, electronics, and keepsakes that may not be easily replaced.
6. Create an Off-the-Grid Living Plan
For families preparing for extended disruptions, Cody suggests setting up a storage space in your home with supplies for off-the-grid living. Stock enough food, water, and essential tools to sustain your family for at least two weeks.
7. Stay Calm and Focused
In the chaos of an emergency, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Practice your evacuation plan with your family ahead of time, so everyone knows what to do. When the time comes, trust your preparation and focus on safety above all else.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters
Natural disasters remind us that life can change in an instant. By taking steps to prepare today, you’re not just protecting your home and possessions—you’re safeguarding your family’s future.
Trust & Will is here to help you plan for the unexpected with resources like eWills and estate planning solutions that ensure your legacy is secure, no matter what happens.
Start your estate plan today to take control of your family’s future, even in uncertain times.
Ready to get started? At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Our users have left over one billion dollars (and counting) to nonprofit organizations through estate plans created on the Trust & Will platform. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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