[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ top_divider_style=”ramp2″ top_divider_color=”#E7DFF3″ top_divider_height_tablet=”” top_divider_height_phone=”” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ bottom_divider_color=”#5B25AF” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”80px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
By Julie Jaggernath<\/em><\/p>\n With the end of summer 2023 comes the hope that extreme weather events will draw to a close, and that those who were displaced can return home or begin rebuilding sooner than later. Communities have faced a severe wildfire season across British Columbia and the North, floods, drought, hurricane-force winds, unseasonably hot or cold temperatures, tornadoes in the nation\u2019s capital, and wildfires and storms in Atlantic Canada. However, if the last few years are any indication of what might be in store for the future, Canadians can expect to face more natural disasters over the coming months and years. The time to make a plan for how best to weather the storm, financially and otherwise, is before you\u2019re affected, but that\u2019s little comfort once the crisis is on your doorstep.<\/p>\n Avoid an Unexpected Financial Crisis<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”-4px|auto||auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”2px||14px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_margin_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]It can be hard to decide what to do if you\u2019re affected by a natural disaster like a wildfire or flood, especially if you don\u2019t have time to plan ahead. Whether you\u2019ve been given an evacuation order or placed on alert to leave at a moment\u2019s notice, your well-being and that of your family, friends, pets, and livestock comes first. The following are tips to help you with that.<\/p>\n Start by following provincial and local instructions about evacuating to a place of safety. Subscribe to news alerts from your city or region and download news apps for quick access to changing local conditions. Your immediate needs and well-being come before everything else.<\/p>\n Your Health and Well-being is More Important Than Your Credit Rating<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/a-wildfire-forest-fire-in-mountains-800px.jpg” alt=”A forest fire wildfire on a mountain side.” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_height=”300px” max_height_tablet=”none” max_height_phone=”none” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Register with the emergency support services program and apply for any assistance you\u2019re eligible for. There may also be services in your community, e.g. Red Cross, government, local relief efforts, etc. to help with finding shelter, buying groceries, and replacing household items for those who have lost everything. If you must leave your home, even a small place to call \u201chome\u201d temporarily can provide a degree of security as the situation unfolds.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px||14px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/preparing-for-natural-disaster-planning-ahead-800px.jpg” alt=”A family making an emergency plan to prepare for a natural disaster.” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ max_height=”300px” max_height_tablet=”none” max_height_phone=”none” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_margin_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]If you have time to pack a few items as disaster looms, personal documents along with your wallet\/purse, medications and supplies to take care of medical conditions, baby\/infant supplies, phone\/laptop\/device and chargers, clothes to last for 3 \u2013 5 days, small comfort items, especially for children, and your pets and their supplies top the list. When there\u2019s more than a few minutes to rush out the door, also pack expensive possessions, e.g. jewellery, as well as sentimental or irreplaceable personal items, e.g. photo albums, trinkets passed down from a previous generation, or antiques\/heirlooms. Everyone\u2019s list of what\u2019s most important to them is a little different so it will be important to pack with space in mind.<\/p>\n How a Good Emergency Plan Can Protect You Financially<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Once you\u2019re in a safe place, assemble whatever important documents and files you were able to take with you in one safe place. If you had to leave quickly with no time to pack, check all of your bags, pockets, wallets, and purses to see what you might have with you. Take photos of all of your important documents and upload them to a secure cloud account or email them to yourself to keep the copy safe. If you\u2019re struggling with feelings of acute stress, grief over what you\u2019ve lost or what could have been, have survivor\u2019s guilt, or if you\u2019re anxious or worried about pets and the well-being of loved ones you\u2019ve lost contact with, reach out to any medical professional or support worker at an evacuation centre for help. Counselling services are available to help you look after your emotional well-being.<\/p>\n How to Protect Your Finances When Disaster Strikes<\/a><\/p>\n Be mindful of your physical health as well. Air quality and environmental safety concerns might make it hard to exercise or play outdoors, so establish a routine to get regular sleep, meals, and indoor exercise, especially if your stomach is upset or your blood pressure is elevated. Keep in mind that everyone will react differently, and your children and teens may need specialized support. Don\u2019t hesitate to seek help to make it easier for any of you to cope.<\/p>\n As the crisis unfolds, feelings of frustration can set in due to not knowing what will happen next, when you can return home, or due to fear of the unknown. Combat these feelings by establishing structure for yourself with a daily routine and mindful practices. Remind yourself that you\u2019re not in this alone by connecting with others who are experiencing similar feelings. Seek reliable information from reputable sources to alleviate fear of the unknown. However, limit social media consumption to avoid information overload. Being glued to the news can be detrimental to your overall well-being.<\/p>\n Do You Want to Be Financially Prepared for Anything?<\/a><\/p>\n Teens are voracious consumers of social media but don\u2019t necessarily have the skills or insights to discern fact from fiction. When it comes to discussing the crisis with kids and teens, share only as much information as they\u2019re ready to hear. Respond to their questions with short but accurate answers. If you\u2019re not able to answer their question or don\u2019t know, let them know and commit to finding out together, if possible.<\/p>\n One way to distract yourself from feeling down is to look for opportunities where you can help others. Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver \u2013 it will lift your mood and remind you that there is still good in this world, even if your current surroundings are shouting otherwise.<\/p>\n Financial Crises are Never Planned, They Just Happen<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|tablet” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”3px||14px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_margin_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]If you have been affected by a natural disaster, despite dire circumstances, allow yourself to enjoy the kindness of strangers. It is hard to stand by and watch as others suffer, especially for those who feel equipped to help. If you are able to volunteer your time, connect with those on the front lines to see where your help will be most useful. If you have specialized skills, offer to volunteer where you can best utilize your skills.<\/p>\n Consider donating money to reputable and centralized organizations who can distribute the funds effectively. If you prefer to donate goods, ask before bringing them in if \/ where they\u2019re needed, and only donate perishable goods if there\u2019s been a request to do so. Avoid passing along anything that will create more work for those receiving it, e.g. clothing that\u2019s no longer in good condition, appliances that \u201cmostly\u201d work or have a safety concern, unwanted furniture that you\u2019ve been unable to give away, items with hygiene concerns, etc.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/volunteers-help-those-impacted-by-flood-wildfire-tornado-800px.jpg” alt=”A group of volunteers helping those who have been effected by a wildfire, flood, tornado, or another natural disaster.” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Avoid Donating Yourself Into Debt \u2013 Other Ways to Give<\/a><\/p>\n Offer to take in evacuees, their belongings, pets, and livestock if you have space in your home or on your property. For those who may have lost their home, keeping their kids, pets, animals, and the belongings they were able to save safe and altogether will be a blessing.<\/p>\n Could You Survive a Financial Emergency Like a Forest Fire?<\/a><\/p>\n Rather than rushing into a devastated area with offers of support, follow regional and provincial instructions regarding travel to \/ through affected regions. If need be, alter your personal plans if there\u2019s been a request to avoid certain areas. It will decrease congestion for those who need to travel to those regions and for those returning home to assess the damage. And when it comes to the financial fallout of dealing with a natural disaster, contact us for help. It\u2019s overwhelming enough to deal with the situation, so we\u2019ve got you and are here to give you guidance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Last Updated on April 21, 2025 <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The time to make a plan for how to weather the storm, financially and otherwise, is before you\u2019re affected, but if you’re looking at a situation like this right now, here’s what you can do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":50468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" By Julie Jaggernath<\/em><\/p> With the end of summer 2023 comes the hope that extreme weather events will draw to a close, and that those who were displaced can return home or begin rebuilding sooner than later. Communities have faced a severe wildfire season across British Columbia and the North, floods, drought, hurricane-force winds, unseasonably hot or cold temperatures, tornadoes in the nation\u2019s capital, and wildfires and storms in Atlantic Canada. However, if the last few years are any indication of what might be in store for the future, Canadians can expect to face more natural disasters over the coming months and years. The time to make a plan for how best to weather the storm, financially and otherwise, is before you\u2019re affected, but that\u2019s little comfort once the crisis is on your doorstep.<\/p> Avoid an Unexpected Financial Crisis<\/a><\/p> It can be hard to decide what to do if you\u2019re affected by a natural disaster like a wildfire or flood, especially if you don\u2019t have time to plan ahead. Whether you\u2019ve been given an evacuation order or placed on alert to leave at a moment\u2019s notice, your well-being and that of your family, friends, pets, and livestock comes first. The following are tips to help you with that.<\/p> Start by following provincial and local instructions about evacuating to a place of safety. Subscribe to news alerts from your city or region and download news apps for quick access to changing local conditions. Your immediate needs and well-being come before everything else.<\/p> Your Health and Well-being is More Important Than Your Credit Rating<\/a><\/p> Register with the emergency support services program and apply for any assistance you\u2019re eligible for. There may also be services in your community, e.g. Red Cross, government, local relief efforts, etc. to help with finding shelter, buying groceries, and replacing household items for those who have lost everything. If you must leave your home, even a small place to call \u201chome\u201d temporarily can provide a degree of security as the situation unfolds.<\/p> If you have time to pack a few items as disaster looms, personal documents along with your wallet\/purse, medications and supplies to take care of medical conditions, baby\/infant supplies, phone\/laptop\/device and chargers, clothes to last for 3 \u2013 5 days, small comfort items, especially for children, and your pets and their supplies top the list. When there\u2019s more than a few minutes to rush out the door, also pack expensive possessions, e.g. jewellery, as well as sentimental or irreplaceable personal items, e.g. photo albums, trinkets passed down from a previous generation, or antiques\/heirlooms. Everyone\u2019s list of what\u2019s most important to them is a little different so it will be important to pack with space in mind.<\/p> How a Good Emergency Plan Can Protect You Financially<\/a><\/p> Once you\u2019re in a safe place, assemble whatever important documents and files you were able to take with you in one safe place. If you had to leave quickly with no time to pack, check all of your bags, pockets, wallets, and purses to see what you might have with you. Take photos of all of your important documents and upload them to a secure cloud account or email them to yourself to keep the copy safe.<\/p> If you\u2019re struggling with feelings of acute stress, grief over what you\u2019ve lost or what could have been, have survivor\u2019s guilt, or if you\u2019re anxious or worried about pets and the well-being of loved ones you\u2019ve lost contact with, reach out to any medical professional or support worker at an evacuation centre for help. Counselling services are available to help you look after your emotional well-being.<\/p> How to Protect Your Finances When Disaster Strikes<\/a><\/p> Be mindful of your physical health as well. Air quality and environmental safety concerns might make it hard to exercise or play outdoors, so establish a routine to get regular sleep, meals, and indoor exercise, especially if your stomach is upset or your blood pressure is elevated. Keep in mind that everyone will react differently, and your children and teens may need specialized support. Don\u2019t hesitate to seek help to make it easier for any of you to cope.<\/p> As the crisis unfolds, feelings of frustration can set in due to not knowing what will happen next, when you can return home, or due to fear of the unknown. Combat these feelings by establishing structure for yourself with a daily routine and mindful practices. Remind yourself that you\u2019re not in this alone by connecting with others who are experiencing similar feelings. Seek reliable information from reputable sources to alleviate fear of the unknown. However, limit social media consumption to avoid information overload. Being glued to the news can be detrimental to your overall well-being.<\/p> Do You Want to Be Financially Prepared for Anything?<\/a><\/p> Teens are voracious consumers of social media but don\u2019t necessarily have the skills or insights to discern fact from fiction. When it comes to discussing the crisis with kids and teens, share only as much information as they\u2019re ready to hear. Respond to their questions with short but accurate answers. If you\u2019re not able to answer their question or don\u2019t know, let them know and commit to finding out together, if possible.<\/p> One way to distract yourself from feeling down is to look for opportunities where you can help others. Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver \u2013 it will lift your mood and remind you that there is still good in this world, even if your current surroundings are shouting otherwise.<\/p> Financial Crises are Never Planned, They Just Happen<\/a><\/p> If you have been affected by a natural disaster, despite dire circumstances, allow yourself to enjoy the kindness of strangers. It is hard to stand by and watch as others suffer, especially for those who feel equipped to help. If you are able to volunteer your time, connect with those on the front lines to see where your help will be most useful. If you have specialized skills, offer to volunteer where you can best utilize your skills.<\/p> Consider donating money to reputable and centralized organizations who can distribute the funds effectively. If you prefer to donate goods, ask before bringing them in if \/ where they\u2019re needed, and only donate perishable goods if there\u2019s been a request to do so. Avoid passing along anything that will create more work for those receiving it, e.g. clothing that\u2019s no longer in good condition, appliances that \u201cmostly\u201d work or have a safety concern, unwanted furniture that you\u2019ve been unable to give away, items with hygiene concerns, etc.<\/p>
\n <\/p>\nWhat to Do Initially When Facing a Natural Disaster<\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nComing to Terms With the First Few Weeks of the Crisis<\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nHelping Those Who Have Been Affected by a Wildfire, Flood, or Tornado<\/h2>\n
Coping and Helping When a Natural Disaster Creates Devastation<\/h2>\n
What to Do Initially When Facing a Natural Disaster<\/h2>
Coming to Terms With the First Few Weeks of the Crisis<\/h2>
Helping Those Who Have Been Affected by a Wildfire, Flood, or Tornado<\/h2>