April 5, 2025Podcast

Bright Harbor On Recovery After Disasters

Gavin Blair, COO of Bright Harbor, joins the rest of the podcast team tonight. He discusses the unique challenges people face in the aftermath of disaster. Whether it’s knowing the best way to file with your insurance company, or how to navigate the FEMA bureaucracy, having an advocate in your corner can be a game-changer.

Bright Harbor, a leading disaster recovery company that has been on the front lines of wildfire recovery efforts across the country. In the wake of the recent LA wildfires, the team has been helping survivors navigate the complex and often frustrating process of securing FEMA aid, insurance payouts, and emergency housing—guiding them through bureaucratic roadblocks that can delay relief for months.

Also on the show was Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group. Our episode was hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Severe Weather and Disaster Recovery

Jamie and Sam discussed the weather conditions, with Sam mentioning the mix of rain, snow, and hail. Jamie then introduced Dr. Joe, who shared updates on the severe weather situations, including tornado outbreaks in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

Joe also mentioned the potential for more bad weather and heavy rain with flooding through the weekend. Jamie recalled the severe weather in Kentucky last year and the impact on the community. Joe mentioned upcoming procedural labs in Florida and Arkansas, which may be affected by the storms.

Jamie then introduced their guest, Gavin Blair, who shared his experience dealing with insurance and red tape following disasters.

Navigating Disaster Recovery With Bright Harbor

Gavin Blair from Bright Harbor discusses the challenges faced by individuals after natural disasters. He highlights the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, coupled with the insurance industry’s struggle to manage risk. Many people are underinsured, often unaware of gaps in their coverage until disaster strikes.

Blair emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s insurance policy, considering home hardening techniques, and having an evacuation plan. He advises on immediate steps after a disaster, such as securing temporary housing through insurance or FEMA assistance. Blair stresses the importance of quantifying losses and understanding available funding sources for recovery, which is where Bright Harbor assists individuals in navigating the complex process of rebuilding after a disaster.

Navigating Disaster Relief Programs

Jamie and Gavin discussed the challenges of navigating bureaucracy in State and Federal relief programs post-disaster. Gavin emphasized the importance of verifying information and seeking primary sources of information, such as the FEMA website. He also addressed the issue of uneven distribution of resources and the need for more effective government programs.

Gavin advised people not to overthink the insurance process and to wait for the first response from their insurance company before seeking external help. He also reassured that there is time to apply for FEMA and SBA, and that the application process is just about filing the form.

Preparing for Natural Disasters

Gavin discussed the importance of being prepared for natural disasters, emphasizing the need for insurance and understanding one’s situation. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by those living in disaster-prone areas and those who are not.

Gavin also mentioned the importance of neighbors cooperating and leveraging each other’s resources during such events. Jamie asked about immediate relief options, to which Gavin explained their service, which provides a tailored plan and support throughout the process.

Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategies

Jamie, Joe, and Gavin discussed disaster preparedness and response. Gavin shared his experiences and insights on preparing for and managing major events, emphasizing the importance of planning and collaboration.

Joe expressed gratitude for Gavin’s expertise and encouraged listeners to reach out to Paragon Medical Education Group for customized training and support. The team agreed on the significance of having resources to navigate the aftermath of disasters.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!