Emergencies rarely give us notice. In some cases, you may have days to prepare for a hurricane or evacuation order. In others—a fast-moving fire, gas leak, or flood—you may have minutes or less.
Whatever the scenario, being forced to leave your home unexpectedly is stressful, emotional, and potentially life-altering. But the right preparation can give you a sense of control in the chaos and protect both your loved ones and your financial future.
This guide walks you through how to prepare before disaster strikes and what to do in the moment when you need to leave fast.
Why Emergency Prep Matters
Disasters displace thousands of families every year in the U.S. alone—whether from wildfires, tornadoes, floods, or chemical spills. While insurance may help later, it’s your emergency plan that keeps you safe now.
A well-executed plan can:
- Protect your identity and financial records
- Support a smoother ALE (Additional Living Expenses) claim
- Prevent unnecessary stress during crisis moments
- Reduce the risk of injury or property loss
Let’s break down what you need to prepare.
1. Grab These Essentials First
If you have 5 minutes or less, focus on the absolute essentials. Ideally, you should keep them in a pre-packed “go bag” near your front door.
Must-haves:
- ✅ Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
- ✅ Insurance policy documents
- ✅ Debit/credit cards and emergency cash (ATMs may not work)
- ✅ Prescription medications and basic first aid
- ✅ Cell phone and charger (battery bank if possible)
- ✅ Laptops or hard drives (especially if you run a business)
- ✅ One change of clothes and basic toiletries
- ✅ Keys to your home, vehicles, storage units, or mailbox
Optional but helpful:
- Water bottles or electrolyte drinks
- Glasses/contacts and solution
- Pet food, leash, and documents
- Snacks or toys to calm children
- Photos or small valuables (only if time allows)
🔥 Tip: Practice a timed “grab and go” drill with your household. You may discover gaps in your setup you hadn’t thought of.
2. Store Digital and Physical Copies of Key Documents
Paper gets wet. Phones die. Cloud access can save you.
Digitally back up these documents using Google Drive, Dropbox, or an encrypted USB:
- Homeowners or renters insurance policy
- Mortgage or lease agreement
- Bank and investment account info
- Credit card and loan account numbers
- Health insurance card and medical records
- Emergency contacts
- Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports (if possible)
Also prepare a physical packet stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant folder in a secure spot at home. If you have a safe or lockbox, even better.
📲 Bonus Tip: Email critical documents to yourself and a trusted family member for backup access if your phone or computer is lost.
3. Build a Complete Go Bag for Each Person
A go bag is your emergency survival kit, built for 48–72 hours of displacement. Customize it for your region, family size, medical needs, pets, and local threats.
Basic Go Bag Checklist:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Essentials | Flashlight + batteries, multi-tool, emergency whistle |
| Food/Water | 3-day supply of non-perishables, energy bars, bottled water |
| Health | First aid kit, prescription meds, hand sanitizer, masks |
| Clothing | Sturdy shoes, socks, change of clothes, rain poncho |
| Sanitation | Toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products |
| Communication | Portable phone charger, battery backup, notebook + pen |
| Paperwork | Printed insurance documents and emergency contacts |
| Cash | At least $100 in small bills (ATMs may be down) |
| Comfort | Blanket, family photo, small toy or book (especially for kids) |
🧒 For children: Add diapers, formula, comfort toys, or games
🐶 For pets: Food, leash, copy of vaccinations, collapsible bowl
🎒 Each person’s go bag should be light enough to carry in a hurry and stored in an accessible place (closet, car trunk, under bed).
4. Prepare for a Smooth Insurance Claim (Especially ALE)
If you’re forced to leave your home and plan to file an ALE claim, the steps you take during evacuation will significantly affect how smoothly that claim goes.
Here’s what you need to do:
Take Photos Before You Leave (If Safe)
- Document your home’s condition—every room, valuables, and potential risks
- If damage has already occurred (e.g., fire or flooding), take detailed images
- Time-stamped photos and videos are powerful proof
Track Your Extra Expenses
- Save every receipt: hotel, food, gas, pet boarding, storage, etc.
- Note which expenses are above your usual budget
Notify Your Insurer ASAP
- Call your insurance company or file online as soon as you’re safe
- Ask: “Does my policy include ALE, and what’s the coverage limit?”
- Get instructions on what they need for reimbursements
📝 Tip: Keep a small notebook or use your phone to log conversations and receipts in real time.
5. Have a Reliable Communication Plan
Phones die. Cell towers go down. Plans change.
Here’s how to stay connected during an emergency:
Set a Central Meeting Point
- Choose a nearby landmark, school, or relative’s home where everyone can meet if separated
Share Emergency Contacts
- Make sure every household member has:
- At least one contact’s number written down
- A way to call if devices fail (payphone, neighbor, landline)
Consider Backup Communication Tools
- Walkie-talkies
- Battery-powered weather radio
- Emergency alert apps like FEMA, Red Cross, or local county alerts
6. Prepare Your Home (If You Have Time)
If you’re given notice to evacuate (e.g., hurricane, wildfire), take a few extra minutes to secure your home:
- Unplug electronics to prevent power surges
- Shut off gas or water if advised by local authorities
- Move valuables to higher ground in flood-prone areas
- Lock all doors and windows
- Leave a note on your door for first responders, indicating you’ve evacuated and where you’re headed (if known)
⛔ Never stay behind unless authorities say it’s safe. Belongings can be replaced—your life can’t.
7. Plan for Returning Home Safely
Once the immediate danger passes, returning home is its own process.
- Wait for the all-clear from emergency officials
- Document any damage before beginning cleanup
- Avoid using utilities until they’re inspected
- File an official insurance claim with your insurer
If your home is unsafe, you may need to stay in temporary housing for days or weeks—this is where ALE coverage can help offset costs like rent, food, and transportation.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are scary, but being prepared makes all the difference. Your go bag keeps you mobile. Your document backups protect your finances. And your communication plan ensures your household stays connected.
ALE coverage may cover the costs of your temporary life—but it’s your emergency plan that buys you peace of mind when every second counts.
