JDH Wealth Management, LLC
181 Concourse Boulevard, Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 542-1110
Fax: (707) 595-5776
info@jdhwealth.com
© Copyright 2020 – JDH Wealth Management. All rights reserved.
Create an Evacuation Plan that includes:
Be Prepared:
How to Prepare to Evacuated from a Wildfire:
Evacuation plans for families with young children should include helping toddlers understand how to quickly respond in case of fire, and how adults can escape with babies. Prepare ahead of time by practicing your family’s fire escape plan, and what to do to be safe when there is a wildfire nearby.
It is important to talk to toddlers and small children at a level that they understand and that does not frighten. Here are a few resources that offer guides and tips for families with young children about fire safety and preparing for a disaster:
Preparing Seniors and Disabled Family Members:
Seniors and people with disabilities also need special consideration when preparing for a disaster. Below are several resources that help individuals and families with special needs plan and prepare for an event such as a wildfire.
Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Each person should have a readily accessible emergency supply kit. Backpacks work great for storing these items (except food and water) and are quick to grab. Storing food and water in a tub or chest on wheels will make it easier to transport. Keep it light enough to be able to lift it into your car. Ensure you plan with COVID-19 in mind.
Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:
Items to Take if Time Allows:
Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.
A home is generally your largest asset. Protect it. Insurance is the critical back-up plan enabling you to rebuild your home after a wildfire. Federal catastrophe grants are not enough to rebuild a home. Make sure your family’s financial safety net is in place, in case disaster strikes. Follow these TIPS as part of your Ready, Set, GO! wildfire preparedness plan:
TIP 1: Conduct an Annual Insurance Check-Up
Call your agent or insurance company annually to discuss your policy limits and coverage. Make sure your policy reflects the correct square footage and features in your home. Consider purchasing building code upgrade coverage.
TIP 2: Know What Your Policy Covers
The details matter. Understand if you have a replacement cost policy that pays to replace all your items at current market price or an actual cash value policy that takes depreciation into account and pays less for aged items.
TIP 3: Update Your Policy to Cover Home Improvements
If you make home improvements, be sure to call your agent or company to update your coverage. Make sure your insurer knows about the changes, so the new countertops, floors or room are covered if you must rebuild.
TIP 4: Maintain Insurance
If your home is paid off, be sure to maintain homeowner insurance. Without insurance, do you have the money to rebuild your home? Check with loved ones whose homes are paid off to be sure they continue to carry homeowner insurance.
TIP 5: Get Renters Insurance
Renters can lose everything in a fire and be left to start over. Many insurers bundle renters insurance coverage with an auto insurance policy at affordable prices.
Recovery is easier if you have an accurate home inventory. Document the contents of your home before a fire occurs. Use your smartphone to video your belongings. Keep your inventory & photos outside home or in the cloud.
TIP 1: Video or photograph each room of your home.
Remember to document drawers and closets.
TIP 2: Describe your home’s contents in your video.
Mention the price you paid, where and when you bought the item.
TIP 3: Remember to note important or expensive items.
Video your electronics, appliances, sports equipment, TVs, computers, tablets.
TIP 4: Save receipts for major purchases.
Store key documents in the cloud or fireproof case. Keep home inventory offsite or in the cloud.
TIP 5: Video the Garage
Don’t forget to video or photograph what is inside your garage.
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