When I think about it, it's harder to walk/drive away from my house uncertain if I'll be able to return when I feel like everything will be lost. I can't avoid the destruction of things sometimes, but I can take steps to minimize the pain.

1. I've been working on systematically inventorying everything in the house with a video or still camera -- I take notes or make a verbal commentary of everything I have -- appliance serial numbers and model numbers, when/where I obtained it, etc. Software serial numbers. I'm scanning old pictures, convert videotapes and films to digital files so if I lose the originals I still have the content. (I'm making a home business out of this step.) All of this is good for insurance purposes and also good because it eliminates that feeling that, if the water came in, I wouldn't be sure what I had.

2. I've made a list of irreplaceable items that I can either take with me or move to a higher level in our house. I haven't done this yet, but I should make sure everyone in the house can deal with the list if I'm not home.

3. Of course the usual have copies of important legal, business, accounting and insurance documents, wills, powers of attorney, etc.

I think if more people did this it would be easier for them to decide to bug out.