09/10/2026
Fire: Dealing with Disasters
On September 9, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary Club member Nick Stay gave a presentation about insurance during disasters. Nick works for the American Underwriters Insurance Agency.
He highlighted the recent Spokane fires, where more than 900 houses were destroyed, more than 900 total structures were destroyed, and more than 60,000 people had to be evacuated.
The fire, which was caused by arson, resulted in an estimated more than $1 billion in insured losses, making it the most expensive wildfire in Washington state history.
Here are five tips he gave to help people be better prepared for an unexpected loss to their home:
1. Know your policy
Make sure you have access to your insurance policy numbers and the name of your insurance company.
2. Store documents off site
Copies of important documents, receipts for expensive items, and current appraisals for jewelry, art, and collectibles.
3. Protect your passwords
Use a password protection program instead of keeping passwords on paper.
4. Video your belongings
Record video documentation at least every other year and store it in the cloud.
5. Plan what to take
Decide now which irreplaceable things you would take if there was time.
