San Diego Wildfires Evacuations

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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San Diego Wildfires Evacuations: My Family's Brush with Disaster and What I Learned

So, wildfires. Ugh. Just thinking about that smoky haze makes my chest tight. I've lived in San Diego County my whole life, and let me tell you, wildfires are no joke. We've had a few close calls, but one in particular really sticks with me. It was 2018, and the massive Cranston Fire, if you remember that one. It was intense.

The Day the Sky Turned Orange

We got the evacuation warning around noon. Just a warning, mind you. See, that's where things get tricky. We're not always super proactive. I mean, we'd heard about wildfires before, but... we just didn't think it would happen to us. We figured, "Oh, it's just a warning; probably nothing." Big mistake. Major, major mistake.

It started with a little smoke in the distance. Then, it got closer. Then, it got a lot closer. My wife, bless her heart, was frantically packing the car. I was… well, I was on my phone, checking Twitter, honestly. I know, I know. Bad husband. I should've been more helpful, more prepared. This is where we learn lesson number one: Don't be an idiot like me. Always take evacuation warnings seriously. It's not a drill.

Within a couple hours, the sky was this crazy, apocalyptic orange. The air quality? Absolutely brutal. It was like breathing through a dusty rag. We finally hit the road, choked with smoke, with our two kids – who were freaking out, understandably – and the family dog, Buddy, who's got zero chill during emergencies. He is usually a very mellow golden retriever but not during that fire. I had to hold him on my lap in the car because he was so scared. It was awful.

Packing for an Evacuation: What to Grab (and What to Leave Behind)

This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson about evacuation preparedness. We grabbed the essentials: important documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance info – all digital copies, too!), medications, and a few changes of clothes. But we totally forgot things like photos, my wife's jewelry, and things we probably could have grabbed. Lesson number two: Create an evacuation plan, and make it detailed. We now have a sturdy fireproof safe for documents, a "go bag" packed and ready, and a list of vital numbers and emergency contact information taped to the fridge. That fire changed everything for us. The fire was so close!

We drove for what felt like forever, listening to the news reports detailing the rapid fire spread. We went to a community shelter – you know, the one that’s always talked about in the evacuation preparedness brochures, which are super dry. It was far from perfect: crowded, and the air conditioning was totally broken. I mean, what a mess! That taught me lesson number three: Have a backup plan, like a friend or family member outside the affected area you can stay with.

That experience completely changed our perspective on wildfires. We're much more prepared now. We know the evacuation routes, and I don't wait for official orders; If it feels like it’s getting close, we are leaving immediately.

Beyond the Evacuation: Recovery and Resilience

It took weeks for the air quality to improve enough for us to return home. Our neighborhood was spared, but many of our neighbors weren't so lucky. Seeing the devastation firsthand – the burned homes, the charred landscape – was heartbreaking. It really puts things into perspective, you know? We were so lucky.

Key takeaways:

• Create a detailed evacuation plan: Include routes, meeting places, and contact info.
• Pack an emergency "go bag": Include essential documents, medications, and supplies.
• Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and official alerts.
• Don’t hesitate: Evacuate immediately if you feel unsafe.
• Support your community: Check on your neighbors and offer help if possible.

San Diego wildfires are a real threat. Being prepared is crucial for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Let's be honest, wildfires are terrifying! Hopefully, you don’t have to live through this sort of thing, but preparation is key. Don't wait until it's too late. Prepare today! Trust me on this one; this isn't advice I'm taking lightly.