The Power of Nature

This week we were reminded yet again of the power of nature and just how much it can impact our homes, neighborhoods, communities and livelihoods. Over 10,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires in Southern California. Some of the most beautiful homes, neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, etc are simply obliterated. Worse, so many memories, history, etc are now in ashes. These are not merely homes: these are the lives that happened around and in these homes too. California is not alone. Nature demonstrates its destructive power around the world every single year. Over the next weeks and months more evaluation will be done as to why the damage was so extensive, and why this could not be prevented or minimized. Is it even possible to put out a fire with 80mph winds?  Some are espousing all sorts of negative opinions that highlight yet again the ugliness that has found a megaphone in our society. The reality is that the power of nature is quite breathtaking. Hurricane Helene damaged or destroyed around 100,000 structures....and that was just in North Carolina. Mostly far from any coastline. Some estimates put the economic impact, including property and infrastructure damage, as high as $200 billion, making Helene the costliest storm in U.S. history. More recently the US averaged around $125 billion in home damage from

natural disasters every year.

While some areas are more prone to fires, hurricanes, droughts, floods, earthquakes, etc than others, the power of nature impacts us everywhere. Those Canadian fires impacted millions with smoke travelling thousands of miles away. Currently in the US there are 189 active wildfires with over 265,000 acres impacted. (americanforests.org). The largest recent fire was in Wyoming...almost 100,000 acres. Even if your home is never damaged by nature, chances are your insurance and/or taxes will be impacted by mother nature.

This would be a good time for all to review the following with their loved ones:

1.  Is my home “fire safe”? Clear gutters of debris, seal openings in the eaves that could act as a “highway” into the attic for flying embers, create 100 feet of defensible space around your home in the event of a wildfire. These are just a few things a homeowner can do to protect against wildfire. Visit ReadyForWildfire.org for more information on hardening your home.

2.  Insurance: Review your insurance coverage with your provider. Check that current constructions costs are in alignment with your coverage. If you are with a company that is no longer insuring in California, reach out to me for a referral for an insurance broker that may be able to help you.

3.  Emergency plans: Make sure you have an emergency plan. Whether you live alone, with animals, and/or with others. Make a list of items that are “must haves” and consider in advance how you will get them out of your home. What is the most important to you? What are your options for egress both from the home and from your neighborhood? It is unfortunate that we must consider all of the above in a very real way. This is not just happening to “others.” The recent fires in Talmadge are a clear indication that we all need to be prepared in the event of a wildfire.

My heart goes out to those who are and will be affected by the current fires in the Los Angeles region. Below are a few links for various ways to donate to support those who have been affected:

Red Cross Wildfire Relief, www.redcross.org

Los Angeles Food Bank, LAFoodBank.org

California Fire Relief, DirectRelief.org

COMPASS CARES, gofundme.com/f/compass-cares-wildfire-relief-fund

Please stay safe out there.