Recent news coverage of the devastating wildfires in Southern California serves as a reminder that wildfires, floods, earthquakes, snow storms and other emergencies can strike with little warning.
Our friends at Mountainwood Homes have a great checklist so you can take proactive steps to prepare your home for natural disasters and protect your family.
1. Create a Detailed Home Inventory
One of the first things you should do to prepare for any natural disaster is to document your belongings. A thorough inventory will make it easier to file insurance claims and recover after a disaster.
2. Review Your Insurance Coverage
When it comes to protecting your home, your insurance policy is one of your most powerful tools. Make sure you understand the scope of your coverage and whether you’re adequately protected against natural disasters.
3. Fire-Proof Your Property
While Portland isn’t as fire prone as Southern California, wildfires can still affect the area, especially in the surrounding hills and nearby forested regions. Preparing your home to resist fire is essential to reducing the risk of damage.
4. Prepare an Evacuation Plan
In the event of a wildfire, flood, or earthquake, having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is essential. The faster you can evacuate, the better your chances of staying safe.
5. Safeguard Important Documents
In a disaster, your important documents—such as insurance policies, identification, medical records, and property deeds—can be lost or damaged. It’s critical to safeguard these documents ahead of time.
6. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
While Portland is generally less prone to extreme weather events than other parts of the country, it’s still important to be prepared for power outages, floods, or wildfires that could disrupt daily life. Stocking up on essential supplies ensures that you’ll be ready if disaster strikes.
Essential emergency supplies:
Water and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Phone charger and power bank
First-aid kit
Fire extinguisher
N95 masks (especially useful for wildfire smoke)
Extra blankets, clothes, and sleeping bags
7. Stay Connected with Your Community
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare for any disaster is to stay connected with your neighbors and local emergency resources. During an emergency, knowing who to contact and where to go for help can make a significant difference.
Don’t wait until disaster is imminent—start preparing today to ensure peace of mind and safety for you and your loved ones. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe! Find a much more detailed list from each category above at MountainwoodHomes.com