Today I decided to write about what it was like to experience an evacuation warning during a severe fire. The Bobcat Fire came dangerously close to our lovely village of Wrightwood. I talked with several of my friends and neighbors there, and listened to their opinions and stories. Many of them stayed in town, and other families left. They all had their own personal reasons and logic.
I drove back and forth a few different times, depending on what I read online about the road, fire, and weather conditions. I packed up more stuff than I ever have during a fire. What was important to me was to have my pets, my hand knit items, a few favorite pieces of clothing, and food and water. It was a relief to rescue all of the sweaters, shawls, socks, gloves, and scarves that I have made over the last several years. My photos are saved online.
I thought that I would want to take my dad's car, since it is a newer model, and gets excellent mileage. I ended up feeling more attached to my mom's 2002 VW Beetle. It has so much style! It also has sentimental value to me. She kept it so clean and organized. She had everything in that car you could ever need: two flashlights, a siren, a red leather coin purse with quarters for tolls, a tiny first aid kit, mints, tissues, stain wipes, and a dog carrier. She was extremely prepared and beautifully organized. That car makes me smile.
I realized that I should have packed more pet food than I had anticipated. I had tupperware jugs full of water by the door. I wasn't sure how much traffic there would be. I left early, and there really wasn't any. It's nice to be able to go to a comfortable second location only sixty miles from your residence. I am so glad that I kept the cottage. I have been busy cleaning it today. I fed some of the citrus trees homemade compost, and did a load of laundry.
The first time I fled I forgot my must have documents. I was so upset with myself. We were closing on my parents' house and a piece of land that I had purchased. I brought that paperwork, and accidentally left my box that contained everything else. Fortunately, I retrieved it on one of my return trips to the cabin. It feels good to have all of those records together and organized. I keep mine in a fire proof box.
Have you ever had to evacuate?
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That must have been so scary having to be ready to evacuate! At least you had advance warning. Thank you so much for sharing what you did. You show how important it is to be prepared! Especially for someone like myself who tends to panic and run around in circles! I haven't had to evacuate and I hope I never have the need to!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Bless. It helps to make a list, and keep it by the door.
DeleteWhile I would never wish that experience on anyone once, let alone more, your experiences and what you've learned do stand you in good stead, don't they? It's never happened to me and I guess I ought to be a bit more prepared than I am.
ReplyDeletexx
It feels good to be prepared, Joy. Sometimes you have to leave immediately.
DeleteNo, we have never had to evacuate, thank God, I don't think I would be anywhere near as organised as you. It must be so hard to think of everything, especially when in a panic. Your mum was certainly prepared for any eventuality 😊 Stay safe x
ReplyDeleteShe really was, PP. Both of my parents were very disciplined and organized.
DeleteWhat a relief for you to have a second, safe home. I cannot imagine what you are all going through with the fires plus covid.I recently had to sell my 2001 yellow beetle, I was so sorry to have to do so. They are so reliable and easy to drive. And yours got you safely to your destination. Am glad you are safe, (Swami Ratnamurti).
ReplyDeleteThanks ratnamurti. I love my little Beetle, too. It's cozy and makes me feel happy. Your yellow one sounds so cute! So sorry that you had to sell it.
DeleteI feel blessed that I have never had to experience the fear of evacuation. My heart goes out to all those affected by these fires.
ReplyDeleteThanks mm. This is new for me. I did evacuate back in 2011 for a huge fire in Canyon Country, too. You just never know.
DeleteOh yes, we have had to evacuate and made it out by the skin of our teeth. We were woefully unprepared and very naïve about what evacuation meant. I thought we would be back home later that same day so we took almost nothing with us, not even a real change of clothes. By the time we made it to the main intersection (about 3/4 of a mile) and saw the massive flames and smoke tornados we knew we made a big mistake and we probably would never see our home again. We were evacuated for 8 days and although the fire came within 100 ft of the house, our home did not burn. Hundreds of homes in our neighborhood did burn. We are now much better organized and will never, ever not pay attention to wildfires in our area no matter how far away they seem to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience, Anita. Noone ever thinks it's going to happen to them.
DeleteGlad you have a place to go and that you've been able to retrieve needed and treasured items.
ReplyDeleteThanks LL. So am I.
DeleteGlad you didn't need the paperwork after all, but I can imagine how disappointed you felt! Never had to evacuate, but I do know how to be "tornado-ready"! Luckily never needed it. I think after Y2K we all think of these things. And now we have Covid that re-awakened our stockpiling skills. Andrea
ReplyDeleteYes, stockpiling is so important. All of these skills are no needed now. The more we can do in advance, the better.
DeleteYou are clearly very organised. I thank my lucky stars that I have never had to evacuate my home. It must be truly worrying and my heart goes out to everyone in that situation. Parts of Britain get flooded every year and I can only imagine the worry and financial and personal loss that occurs when it does happen
ReplyDeleteThanks Cherie. I could be better, but I was prepared. We had time to plan.
DeleteHow good you have a safe retreat. Fires were close to the city where I live so I packed a suitcase and made a list of things to grab, like important papers. I only packed one family photo. No precious family mementos. Anyway, I did not need to evacuate but it does make us think about what is most important to us, like your beautiful sweaters, scarves, etc.
ReplyDeleteThat's smart, Terra. That's true. I love my hand knits. They took a lot of time to make, and I wear them every day. I'm glad you were safe.
DeleteYou seem very prepared! You must learn a lot each time you are warned of an evacuation.
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