Fire Update Rancho Bernardo Evacuations

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Fire Update: Rancho Bernardo Evacuations – A Scary Night and What I Learned

Okay, so last week was insane. Total chaos. Rancho Bernardo was basically a warzone, what with the wildfire ripping through. I'm still kinda shaken up, honestly. We got evacuated, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. I’ll share my experience and hopefully some tips to help you be prepared if something similar happens to you.

The Night the Sky Turned Orange

It all started innocently enough. I was watching TV, you know, just chilling. Then, I saw the news flash – wildfire near Rancho Bernardo. Meh, I thought, wildfires are common in California. Then, BAM. The alerts started blasting on my phone: mandatory evacuations. Panic mode initiated.

My first mistake? I totally freaked out. I grabbed my cat, Mittens (she’s a drama queen, by the way), some clothes, and my laptop, but I forgot vital documents! Seriously, what was I thinking?! It felt like a scene from a movie – grabbing essentials while the world was burning around me. I’m still kicking myself for that.

The drive out was a nightmare. Traffic was insane, people were stressed, horns were blaring. It was a total free-for-all. We got lucky and found a hotel room in Poway, which wasn’t too far. But many folks were stuck in traffic for hours, not knowing where they'd end up. That was truly terrifying.

Lessons Learned: Packing Your Go-Bag

So, what did I learn from this near-death experience? Besides, “don’t forget your passport?!” Create a "go-bag," a grab-and-go emergency kit. Seriously, this is crucial. Here's what should be in mine (and yours!):

• Important documents: Passport, driver's license, insurance cards (copies!), medical records – keep these in a waterproof bag. I'm now storing these in a fire-safe box at home.
• Medications: This should be obvious, right? Don't be like me, and be unprepared.
• Cash: ATMs might be down. Think about this ahead of time. Credit cards aren't always reliable during emergencies.
• Water and non-perishable food: You'd be surprised how quickly things can get tough.
• First-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes – the basics.
• Phone chargers: Obviously! Keep them fully charged, and consider a portable charger.
• Pet supplies: Food, water, carrier, vet records for your furry friends.
• Comfortable clothes and shoes: I was wearing flip-flops, not a good idea when running through smoky streets.
• Photos of your home and belongings: This is super important for insurance purposes. Do this now before it's too late.

Staying Informed During a Wildfire Evacuation

Staying updated on the fire's progression was a huge challenge. The news was chaotic and confusing. I relied heavily on official sources like the San Diego County Sheriff's Department website and the Ready San Diego app. It was frustrating to sift through the misinformation on social media. But the information on those official websites and apps was up-to-date.

Tips for Staying Informed:

• Official sources only: Stick to official government websites and emergency alerts.
• Multiple news sources: Get updates from several sources, but be careful to ensure that the information comes from a legitimate news source.
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Your phone will be your best friend in a crisis.

Returning Home After the Fire

Getting back to Rancho Bernardo was emotional. The air was thick with smoke, and the smell was overwhelming. Seeing the damage to some homes was heartbreaking. Some homes were completely destroyed. We were incredibly lucky. Our home was untouched.

Being prepared and taking the proper precautions, such as creating that essential go-bag, helped us navigate a scary situation. I hope this post helps you prepare for any future emergency. Don't wait until it's too late. Get ready now! You'll thank yourself later. And seriously, create that emergency kit. You won’t regret it.