10 ways to prepare financially for a natural disaster

Flash flood emergency declared in Texas. Hurricane slams the Gulf Coast. California wildfires force thousands to evacuate. Polar vortex paralyzes Midwest. Twister outbreak in Oklahoma.

These are just a few of the natural disaster headlines that made the news in 2025. You might have experienced one firsthand. Or you might have given generously of your time or money to someone whose world was turned upside down.

While we can’t control the weather—or even other disasters we might experience, such as a house fire, health issue or job loss—we can control our financial readiness and how we respond. Thrivent financial advisors offer these 10 practical tips to help you weather any storm, before and after it happens.

One of the foundational pieces of a good financial strategy is having a dedicated account in place (preferably out of sight) that can cover at least three to six months of expenses in case of emergency, says Bradley Dean, Thrivent financial advisor with the Heart of Texas Associates in Kerrville, Texas.

“Nobody knows what’s ahead but having that short-term emergency fund in place is crucial when something happens,” he says.

Start small if you need to—$25 or $50 transferred automatically to a separate account each month—and it will be there when you need it.

From life and health to property and casualty insurance, do an annual review of your policies, updating coverage and beneficiaries as needed.

“You want to make sure all your bases are covered,” says Danny Dean, Thrivent wealth advisor with the Heart of Texas Associates in San Antonio, Texas. “If you’re a homeowner or renter, consult a good independent agent who can ask the right questions.”

Don’t overlook umbrella policies and flood insurance. Always make sure any home updates and new purchases are reflected in your policies.

Having key planning documents in order, for example power of attorney (POA) created in partnership with an estate attorney, is beneficial, as it allows someone you designated to handle your financial affairs and make financial decisions for you when you are not able to.

“If you’re medically incapable or displaced, your financial power of attorney [dependent on what your specific POA includes] would have authority to make financial transactions,” Bradley Dean says.

Danny Dean advises keeping your key financial documentation—such as estate plans, insurance and passports—in a fireproof safe.

“Back up digital versions of important paperwork on a USB drive and keep it in the safe as well,” adds Shad Connor, a Thrivent Wealth Advisor with the Focus Financial Group in Fargo, North Dakota. It’s added protection if the internet goes down.

Use secure apps or protection services to manage and easily access your passwords and other sensitive information. Create an inventory of the contents of your home and any storage spaces you have.

“I tell clients to walk through your house with your phone and videorecord it all,” Connor says. “It can capture special stories of items while also giving you proof of what you have with a stamped date on it.”

How much cash you keep around is really a matter of preference. Some might have $100 to $500 tucked in a fireproof safe, while others might have as much as $10,000.

“You’re going to want to have cash instead of running to a credit card,” Connor says. Reimbursement from insurance companies doesn’t always happen quickly, and you don’t want to rack up interest on a credit card.

But remember, Bradley Dean says, you lose purchasing power by having too much cash in a safe. This is where your emergency fund can help.

“Focus on securing housing if needed, notify your insurance companies, talk to your financial advisor and review your cash flow,” says Connor, who speaks from personal experience after his family’s home was lost to a fire in 2017.

Be sure to verify and secure all your accounts, too. “Looting happens both physically and digitally,” Danny Dean says. “Make sure you’re monitoring your accounts regularly.”

When making home updates after a natural disaster, Connor advises to stick with your well-known service providers and verify credentials.

“Be wary of pressure tactics, like paying a large sum of money upfront, and use local agencies that have a list of trusted resources,” he says.

Bradley Dean warns not to put your phone number or personal information out in public. “You may be trying to find information quickly about someone, but there are scam artists waiting to take advantage,” he says.

Lean on your faith, your family and your community when going through a challenging time.

“My first recommendation always is prayer,” says Danny Dean. “That’s where we get our answers.”

Turn off the news and make time to exercise to help relieve stress. Do your best to communicate openly with your family and others about what you need.

If you’ve had to dip into your emergency fund to get you through a disaster, or maybe when other life factors caused you to deviate from your plan, it’s time to restart.

“Set a new goal and stick with it,” says Bradley Dean. “Or go back to your original goal and reset it with a new time frame. Look for the wins along the way. Then, no matter what comes up, you’ll be ready for it.”

Financial decisions made under stress can have lasting consequences. Work with your Thrivent financial advisor to establish and maintain a strategy to help you through the storms of life.

Donna Hein is senior editor of Thrivent Magazine.

Providing food and shelter during a disaster

Kathy Bogie had recently moved back to Kerrville, Texas, when a catastrophic flood on July 4, 2025, washed over the Texas Hill country. Among the massive devastation, and loss of life in several cities, was Camp Mystic.

Just blocks away from the tragedy, Kathy’s home was safe. Four days later, she learned that the Blackhawk pilots doing search and rescue needed a place to stay that was closer to the airport. With about five hours’ notice, Kathy swung open the doors to her four-bedroom home and also prepared a small motor home, offering nine pilots a place of respite during a difficult time.

Once she heard they were coming, Kathy shopped for groceries and prepared fora steak, baked potato, sauteed mushrooms and salad dinner. The crew insisted on helping with meal preparation, and they all sat down together that first evening to enjoy, unwind and relax. Then Kathy stayed up all night washing flight suits and laundry.

Wanting each pilot to have their own bed, Kathy called upon church friends who are neighbors. They graciously opened their home to four of the pilots and shared in meal preparation. Every evening was a family-style event. The pilots stayed just shy of one week. A few weeks following their time with Kathy, a package arrived, which included a photo plaque with the team and their helicopter. The inscription said: “Forever Grateful.”

“It was a way I could share what God has given me with the men and women who came to work during the disaster,” says Kathy, who remains in contact with several of the pilots. “My parents were both World War 2 veterans, my late husband was a Vietnam veteran and my son is an Army veteran. For me, it was a way of serving my country and sharing my home.”