Lessons about Disaster Preparedness from a Pro

Episode Overview In this episode we deviate from the focus on real estate and inheritance. I speak with business continuity expert David Gering of Business Resilience Solutions to discuss how individuals and businesses can prepare for disasters and disruptions. With over 15 years of experience, David shares practical insights into risk management, disaster preparedness, and business recovery. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply looking to be better prepared, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate uncertain times. Key Topics Discussed: ✅ David's Background & Experience – How his firsthand experience with earthquakes, wildfires, and business disruptions shaped his career. ✅ Mindset & Disaster Readiness – Why preparation is critical and how stress impacts decision-making. ✅ Evacuation Planning – The importance of go bags, checklists, and what to do before leaving your home in a crisis. ✅ Lessons from Recent Wildfires – How wildfires have changed over the years and why modern fires are harder to fight. ✅ Communication During Disasters – Why cell phones may fail and how to establish alternative communication plans. ✅ Earthquake Preparedness – The impact of aftershocks and key takeaways from the Northridge Earthquake. ✅ Business Continuity Planning – How businesses can prepare for major disruptions by focusing on three key impact areas. ✅ Recommended Resources & Apps – Tools for staying informed and managing emergencies effectively. Key Takeaways & Actionable Tips: Always have a go bag ready at home and in your car. Plan for multiple disaster scenarios—fires, earthquakes, power outages, etc. Use checklists to ensure you don't forget essential items during an evacuation. Consider signing up for emergency alert systems (VC Alert, Alert LA County, Notify LA). Download useful apps such as Watch Duty (wildfire tracking), MyShake (earthquake alerts), and Audacy (radio streaming during emergencies). Businesses should create business recovery plans focusing on data/system loss, loss of workplace, and loss of personnel. Have alternative communication methods, such as out-of-state contacts and text-based messaging. Invest in a generator or backup battery to sustain critical power needs. Resources Mentioned: 📌 Emergency Alert Systems: Ventura County Alerts: ReadyVenturaCounty.org/VC-alert LA County Alerts: Alert.LACounty.gov Notify LA: Emergency.LACity.gov/NotifyLA 📌 Recommended Apps: Watch Duty (wildfire alerts) MyShake (earthquake warnings) Audacy (radio streaming for real-time news) 📌 Mass Notification Platforms for Businesses: AlertMedia.com Everbridge.com OnSolve.com Connect with David Gering 📞 Phone: 805-630-9731 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: ResilienceBCM.com Final Thoughts: Preparation is key to ensuring safety and business continuity during disasters. By taking proactive steps today, you can improve your resilience and peace of mind. If you have questions or need professional guidance on business continuity planning, reach out to David Gering for expert advice.