In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Cole Coulson, Vice President of Sales for BMS CAT, to explore the company’s front-line efforts during the recent Southern California wildfires and share practical guidance for property owners facing disasters.

Cole opens by recalling his first moments on the ground in the Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas. “You see a lot on TV, but being there in person—witnessing streets closed by emergency crews, wearing masks against ash and soot—hits you differently,” he reflects. He describes the emotional weight of guiding homeowners back into their charred properties: “Some didn’t set foot in their homes for two weeks. Walking through that devastation with them was both heartbreaking and deeply rewarding.”

Transitioning to actionable advice, Cole emphasizes safety first: respiratory protection (proper masks), documenting pre- and post-loss conditions with thorough photographs, and securing valuables before evacuation. He points out common missteps—expecting a quick turnaround, re-entering unstable structures, or underestimating insurance processes—and urges patience and professional support.

Cole then breaks down BMS CAT’s turnkey approach, from boarding up and tarping vulnerable roofs to on-site deep cleaning, content and textile restoration, deodorization, and full reconstruction. “Insurance policies often cover the full spectrum—most people simply aren’t aware,” he notes. By managing every phase, BMS CAT becomes a single point of contact in a chaotic time, easing the burden on families and communities.

Looking ahead, Cole advises viewers to pre-plan evacuation routes, compile essential contact lists (family, insurers, contractors), and consider advanced measures—like foam-seal fire retardants—for high-risk properties. He concludes with a reminder that true resilience comes from preparation: “Disaster isn’t about if, but when—it pays to know who to call.”

Whether you manage a single home or a multi-building campus, this conversation equips you with empathy, expertise, and field-tested strategies to face the next big event with confidence.