A Note About the LA Wildfires and the Need for Digital Preparation
Emergency Preparation
As wildfires ravage the Los Angeles area, our hearts go out to the countless individuals and families facing devastation, displacement, and uncertainty. At Stronghold, we recognise the pressing need to be prepared for times of crisis, both in safeguarding the physical well-being of our families, protecting our assets and ensuring the security of essential documents and information.
The Current Wildfire Crisis in LA
The situation in Southern California is dire. The Hughes Fire, which is now 98% contained, rapidly expanded to over 10,000 acres, forcing evacuations and generating fire tornados due to extreme wind conditions. The Palisades Fire, which has consumed over 23,000 acres, is now 98% contained, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena is now 99% contained after having scorched over 14,000 acres.
These fires have taken a heartbreaking toll. At least 29 people have lost their lives, with many more missing. The destruction covers approximately 45 square miles, displacing tens of thousands of residents. While recent rainfall has provided some relief in firefighting efforts, it has also raised concerns about mudslides and flash floods in burn-scarred regions.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a private-sector recovery effort, and interstate aid has also poured in, with Pennsylvania sending 40 firefighters to support local crews. At the federal level, President Donald Trump's visit to the region has further highlighted the urgency of disaster relief and policy discussions.
The Role of Digital Preparation in Emergencies
The devastation caused by these wildfires has also ignited important discussions about the underlying causes of such disasters and whether the city and state were adequately prepared. While these are critical conversations, it is also essential for individuals and families to take proactive steps to be prepared for emergencies themselves. Having an evacuation plan, ensuring access to essential supplies, and safeguarding important documents through digital solutions can make a significant difference in recovery and resilience when disaster strikes.
Witnessing the destruction caused by these wildfires makes one thing increasingly clear: being prepared for a disaster is no longer optional, it is essential. While physical safety is the top priority, ensuring that vital personal and financial documents remain accessible is of central importance for rebuilding and recovery. At Stronghold we take the role of protecting families' essential information from disaster very seriously.
Using a smart digital vault, such as Stronghold, offers a solution to this growing concern. With wildfires capable of destroying entire homes in minutes, paper documents, computers and hard drives can be lost forever. By securely digitising and storing these critical files, individuals can ensure quick and easy retrieval in the aftermath of a disaster.
Why a Digital Solution Matters
Protection Against Loss: A digital vault safeguards essential documents from being destroyed in fires, floods, or other disasters.
Security & Privacy: Advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication ensure that sensitive personal information remains protected from unauthorised access.
Accessibility: Important documents can be accessed anytime, anywhere, from any device, making recovery and rebuilding more efficient.
Legal & Financial Management: In the aftermath of a disaster, digital access to insurance claims and property ownership documents can significantly expedite recovery efforts.
Prioritise Digital Security
While the fires in Los Angeles highlight the immediate need for emergency preparation, the reality is that disasters can strike at any time. If you would like to learn more about the ways we can help you be prepared for an emergency, please email us at support@getstronghold.com.
At Stronghold, we are committed to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. As families face this devastating wildfire season, let’s take proactive steps to ensure that even in the worst of times, we remain resilient and ready.
Stay safe, stay prepared.
Mischa Kowall
CEO and Co-founder, Stronghold