**Don't Be A Hero:** If You're Told To Evacuate, Evacuate. Don't Wait To See If The Fire Comes Closer. That's A Lesson I Learned The Hard Way. Your Life Is Worth More Than A House.

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Don't Be a Hero: Why Evacuating is Always the Smartest Choice

Let me tell you something, folks. I've made some dumb decisions in my life, but few were as boneheaded as the time I decided to not evacuate during a wildfire. Yeah, I know, sounds crazy, right? I'm usually pretty level-headed, but that day, my brain apparently took a vacation.

My Near-Death Experience with a Wildfire

It was a scorcher, a real inferno of a summer day. The air hung heavy, thick with smoke. I remember seeing the news reports about the growing wildfire, but, honestly, it felt miles away. I told myself it would never reach me. I mean, my house was nestled in the hills—pretty secluded. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything.

The evacuation order came. I got the alert on my phone—that shrill, ear-piercing siren you never forget. I was stubborn. Really stubborn. I figured I'd just keep an eye on it. I had hoses ready, sprinklers set up, I even went out and wet down the surrounding brush. I was preparing for a siege, like some kind of crazy, suburban warrior. Looking back, I am cringing! It was utterly ridiculous. I thought I was being prepared.

The Turning Point: Seeing the Flames

Then the wind shifted. It was like watching a movie, only it wasn’t a movie. I saw the flames leap over a ridge, closer than I thought possible. The intense heat was unbearable. I could feel it on my skin, the air cracking with the heat. I was sweating profusely. I was terrified. It was terrifying. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum. The crackling of the flames was loud. The air was thick with smoke. I could smell burning wood and brush.

That's when the reality hit me: my life wasn't worth saving a few belongings. This wasn't a movie; this was real life. My precious belongings—my prized possessions—were suddenly insignificant. They couldn't replace me.

I grabbed my dog, Buster, my phone, and my wallet (seriously, what was I thinking?), and bolted. I almost didn't make it. The fire was so close, I could feel the heat on my face. I saw other houses burning. It was frightening, a terrifying experience I will never forget. It looked like something out of a movie.

I made it out, thankfully. But many others weren’t so lucky. Their homes and possessions were destroyed. Some people even lost their lives. Their lives were tragically lost in this inferno. It was devastating. I saw other houses burning. It was frightening. I could have been one of those people.

Lessons Learned: Prioritize Your Safety

Here’s what I learned, and it's a lesson I hope you'll take to heart:

• Evacuate immediately when told to. Don't wait, don't second-guess, don't think you can handle it. You can't.
• Have an evacuation plan. Know your routes, have a meeting place, and pack an emergency bag with essentials: medications, important documents, photos, and phone chargers.
• Don't be a hero. Your life is more valuable than any material possessions. Seriously, it's not worth it.
• Trust the authorities. They know what they're doing, and they're looking out for your safety.
• Stay informed. Monitor weather reports and news alerts. Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone.

That day I learned a valuable lesson: material possessions are replaceable, but lives are not. Don't wait for the fire to come to you. Listen to the warnings and evacuate. You'll thank yourself later. This is especially true during a wildfire.

This isn't just about wildfires, either. This applies to any kind of natural disaster, severe weather event or emergency situation: Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes—you name it. Don’t become a statistic. Your life is more important than anything else. Prioritize your safety and evacuate when instructed. Your life is worth more than your house.