Dear Friend,
Hello! What a weird week. Frank left on Tuesday to dog-sit Miss B. He was going to be gone for a few days but they were evacuated the next night due to a wildfire. Do you remember Miss B? Well, she’s been through this evacuation thing before. She told me, “It’s not my first rodeo, Leslie.”
Wildfires… there are so many, I hesitate to report a number, it will undoubtedly change between now and when I post your letter.
Information is crucial during an evacuation. Local authorities set up evacuation centers. Local media help get the word out. Websites, Radio, TV, Apps, Signage, word of mouth… Evacuees need to know where to go, where to take livestock, what roads are closed.
During emergencies, when you really need to know things, news is limited.
Updates are not instantaneous. Here is the latest Crozier Fire Incident Update from fire . ca. gov. Right now, it’s August 11th at 4:45am and the latest information is from yesterday morning.
So, I look to other sources of information, hoping for news.
The latest on my WATCH DUTY app is from 10 hours ago.
I check the latest 3D map of the Crozier Fire on SCENE VIEWER. It’s a great way to see the fire perimeter, location and topography.
To give more perspective, this is a photo that Frank took from the ground, south of the fire.
Technology is helpful but it doesn’t tell us everything. What is your favorite source for information? Write to us, we’d appreciate your suggestions.
Well, how do you feel about your stuff? Look around you, what do you have that you’d be able to pack up in minutes? Where would you go? I’m sure that you’ve thought about it. I don’t mean to take us down that dark road, but it’s not a bad idea to be prepared.
As she previously indicated, Miss B has been evacuated a few times before, once, while she was in my care. It was the middle of the night and we had no electricity.
I called but wasn’t able to reach our friend, Miss B’s dad, on the phone. That whole event in September of 2022 was pretty scary. And mixing House/Dog sitting with evacuation is an odd sensation. It’s someone else’s house, it’s their stuff, what do you do? What do you begin to pack up? No matter if you decide to save their entire collection of cookbooks or just leave everything but the dog and her tennis ball, it’s still the same idea: stay calm, pack up, get out.
How much time do you have to get out? Well. That can depend on if you decide to leave when you see flames... or when you are given a voluntary / evacuation warning - or - if you decide to wait until you hear evacuation is mandatory for your area. Sometimes that window is days. Sometimes just an hour. Sometimes you’ll get a call from local authorities, sometimes from a neighbor (small towns might have a neighborhood emergency phone-tree). Sometimes you’ll get a knock on the door or you’ll hear an alert or a megaphone announcement from a helicopter or firetruck. But keep in mind, your safety is up to YOU.
Rescue entities do what they can. If you live (or stay) where there might be wild fire, it’s just a good idea to find out (in advance) what to expect, and then, be prepared so that you’ll be ready to ‘Bug Out’ (leave in a hurry).
Have you ever put together a ‘Bug Out’ kit? What would you pack to have with you in the event that you had to leave your home for a number of days?
Here’s a list of things to consider when getting “READY” and when getting ready, don’t forget to pack kits for your pets.
Or you can buy a pre-packed Go-Kit or Bag, though some of these won’t have everything you need. Remember, you are the only one that knows what you might need. A pre-packed Go Kit obviously won’t have your important paperwork or medications already inside.
And there’s maintenance. Whether you build your own kit or buy pre-made, you will need to freshen some of the items each year.
As we stood and watched the billowing smoke, we thought of all the Moms and Dads and other vital family, friends and heart-lights of the brave, hardworking, first-responders, fire, forestry, and so many other ‘round-the-clock fire-fighting and rescue crews. The support from their loved-ones encourages and comforts.
We’re grateful for the good thoughts and caring prayers you send to these people on the fire and to the countless lives affected; and we’re grateful for YOU.
Wishing you a safe and happy week ahead!
Gently Be,
Leslie and Frank
PS: To assist rescuers, leave a note / inform local authorities that everyone at your address is out safely. If you wish to know more: PREPARE FOR WILDFIRE, GO - EVACUATION GUIDE
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