Media Center

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time.

Consider these real situations:

On August 14, 2003, a widespread power outage hit the Northeast and Midwest States of America. In some areas, power was out for weeks.

In January 2018, 22 deaths occurred due to the winter storm ‘bomb cyclone’ that occurred over a three-day period, covering the Central States and East Coast in several feet of snow. Even parts of Florida were impacted.

In the Fall of 2017, the Tubbs, Atlas, Nuns and Redwood Valley fires in California forced thousands from their homes and caused 54 deaths. The fires damaged over 10,000 structures and many of the victim’s properties were destroyed, leaving them without shelter, clothing, or any personal possessions.

In March 2020, a powerful tornado hit Nashville, Tennessee, killing 24 people and destroying numerous homes, and of course, the recent news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak being declared a pandemic.

Different types of disasters occur everywhere, including:

• Natural disasters and weather emergencies such as hurricane, wildfire, tornado, flood & snowstorm
• Fires at your property
• Death or serious injury, especially while traveling
• Virus outbreak
• Active shooter threat
• Reputational threats (online slander)
• Criminal threats (abduction, extortion, identity theft, cyberstalking)

If you were to be impacted by any of these disasters, would you:

• Have money in your pocket (ATMs may be down)?
• Gas in your car?
• Have access to bottled water (water filtration facilities can be affected)?
• Have a copy of your important personal documents?
• Have an inventory detailing all of the contents and features of your home?

Planning is Key

Do you have a plan in place if there was a disaster in the middle of the night? Do you have an easy-to-grab box with important papers? Do you have important phone numbers written down? Do you have a relocation plan for valuables, collections, etc? Do you have a family emergency plan in place, including  a meeting place or point person?

Insurance can lower or eliminate the financial impact of these disasters, but how can you prepare to protect the personal impact? Planning in advance can minimize the impact disasters have on your family while expediting recovery.

Our client’s personal safety is of our utmost concern and the personal risk advisors at Oswald would like to provide you with resources to help you protect our clients and their families.

Additional Resources:

Emergency Survival Kit Supply List (American Red Cross)
Family Disaster Plan Template (American Red Cross)
Emergency Preparedness & Response (CDC)
Create a Home Inventory for Insurance – Methods, Apps & Checklist (Money Crashers)
Make a Plan (Ready.gov)
Prepare your Evacuation “Grab and Go” Box (Texas A&M Agrilife Extension)
Disaster Planning Worksheet (Chubb)

For more information, contact us here.

View further posts on personal risk:

Storms Among Storms: Spring Severe Weather Preparedness (COVID-19) Risk Advisory

Personal Cybersecurity During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Tips to Protect You and Your Family

Note: This communication is for informational purposes only. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Oswald makes no guarantees of any kind and cannot be held liable for any outdated or incorrect information. View our communications policy.