Brush Fire Evacuates North County

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Brush Fire Evacuates North County: My Family's Close Call and What You Need to Know

Okay, so, last week was, um, intense. A brush fire, a real one, not some little thing, broke out near our place in North County. It was terrifying. I mean, terrifying. We got a frantic phone call from a neighbor – it was around 2 PM; the kids were home from school, thank goodness. We saw the smoke from our kitchen window. It was thick, dark, and smelled acrid.

The Frantic Scramble: Our Evacuation Experience

The whole evacuation was a blur. Honestly, I felt like I was in one of those disaster movies. We grabbed the essentials: photos (the digital ones were backed up, thank goodness!), important documents, the cat (that was the hardest part!), and a few changes of clothes. Food? Nah, we were more focused on getting out alive. We were under a mandatory evacuation order.

We jumped in the car – my wife, kids, and our grumpy feline – and basically hightailed it out of there. Traffic was insane; everyone was heading in the same direction. We saw people driving with their stuff piled up in the car; it was like a scene straight out of a movie. I'll never forget the faces of other drivers – pure panic in their eyes. It was pretty scary.

We ended up at an evacuation center set up at the high school; there were tons of families there. Some had pets; some were barely carrying anything. Everyone was exhausted and scared. The community stepped up to help. Volunteers handed out water and snacks, and there were even people offering comfort to the scared pets. I learned a few things that day, things I definitely want to share with all of you so that you’re more prepared.

Lessons Learned: Preparing for a Wildfire Evacuation

• Create a Go-Bag: Seriously, people, this isn't optional. Pack a bag with essentials: medications, important documents (copies are key!), photos, cash, some easy-to-eat snacks, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. Don't wait until the last minute. I learned that the hard way. And, don't forget your pets!

• Know Your Evacuation Routes: Before a fire even starts, figure out several escape routes from your home. Knowing multiple escape routes can literally save your life. Practice those routes with your family, including your pets, if you have any. This is a game changer in wildfire safety.

• Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Make sure you're signed up for local emergency alerts. These alerts can give you valuable time to get yourself and your family out of the danger zone. These alerts could mean the difference between being okay and ending up in a truly dangerous situation.

• Check your fire insurance: I wish we'd done this sooner. It’s really important to update your insurance policies and know what is covered in the event of a wildfire.

• Stay Informed: During a wildfire, stay updated on the fire's progress through official sources like local news channels and emergency management websites. Social media can spread misinformation rapidly.

The Aftermath and Recovery

We were incredibly lucky. Our house was spared. Many weren't so fortunate. Watching the news footage of the devastation was heartbreaking. The community is pulling together to help those who lost everything. This brush fire was a harsh reminder of how quickly things can change. The entire incident really shook me up.

I'm sharing this not to scare you but to encourage everyone to be prepared. Wildfires are a real threat, especially in our area. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let's all do our part to be wildfire-safe. We should all take steps to protect ourselves and our community. Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips. We all can learn from each other.