One-hundred, sixty-eight foot steps on a winding trail, that’s how close my house was to the fire.
I hiked up the hill and walked the fire area today. It was sad—no animals and almost no plant life left. Now what’s will happen when the rain comes this winter? Mudslides? I hope not, but another thing to worry about come January.
I’ve always felt empathy for people living near a fire. But, seeing it on TV and living through it are two completely different things. And, my home wasn’t damaged. Still, I can tell you first hand what goes through your mind—at least what went through mine:
Where is my cat?
Where is my dog?
What about my eight feral cats?
What should I pack? Medication, jewelry, underclothes, pants, tops and what else?
Does Stephanie (my close friend down the street) know?
I had better call her. No Answer!
I had better call her on my cell phone. Where is my cell phone?
Do my neighbors across the street need help?
How close is the fire?
What direction is the wind moving?
How long do I have before I need to evacuate?
I found my phone—oh no its battery is low. Where is my battery charger?
I have two messages and I need to call them back.
Why can’t I use my cell phone? I’m shaking.
I have some time; the wind is moving the fire northeast.
I forgot my photographs.
I better back up my computer and put my files on the thumb drive.
What about my homeowner’s insurance files?
I forgot the checkbook!
Someone is knocking at the door.
The sheriff told me the city recommends we evacuate; it’s voluntary right now.
Should I move a car down the block? I don’t want to drive over the fire hose!
I finally see Stephanie and her family—relief.
I forgot to pack our passports and pink slips.
What else have I forgotten?
My husband and I decided to have a written plan including things to pack, division of duties and priority of the plan’s items. This is the beginning of our plan:
1. Move cars (face outward or down hill beyond fire hoses–close enough to load)
2. Load animals
3. Pack medication, clothes and small valuables
4. Pack checkbook, unpaid bills, insurance policies and tax file
You get the idea. Your list will be different and maybe you will divide the duties or categorize them by high, medium or low priority or even by location: car or place near door. Whatever you do will be the right thing and I know from experience you will feel better in an emergency—I wish I had a list last Friday.
This is what is left of the beautiful hillside and all the animals’ homes.
My thoughts are now with the people in Los Angeles who have lost their homes or their homes are in danger. Santa Barbara is another area of California that has suffered devasating losses in the last week.
Tags: Fears by debradavishinkle
2 Comments »
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