Tip Trophy

At the conclusion of my previous article, which was about tips for fire prevention and my nagging ways about fire prevention and preparation, I ended with this: “Okay, no more nagging for now. But any more tips?”

Wow, I received a lot of tips from you readers out there. I perceive that you are on edge just as I am, about the present and future dangers of Fire Season. 

We share sufferings of PTSD in varying forms and varying degrees of severity, having been through the worst fire disaster in California history, the notorious Camp Fire of November 8, 2018; the destruction of Paradise and the burn-through of surrounding areas, including my home territory, Butte Creek Canyon.

You have sent me dozens of personal stories of your Camp Fire experiences. We have seen and heard many impactful, heartbreaking, disastrous Camp Fire stories. But when your stories and experiences are sent directly from you to me, in a personal way, they are even more impactful and heartbreaking. Disastrous is an understatement.

Through all the grief and tragedy, we must try as hard as we can to prevent a repeat of the Camp Fire, or anything like it.

That’s why I keep nagging about fire preparation and prevention and asking for more tips. Receiving your responses to my request is inspiring.

For example, my inspiring new friend R.W., a Camp Fire survivor, sent me a hand-written letter on yellow lined notepaper with a clipping of an excerpt from my previous article pasted to it. She also stapled to the letter a 3×5 index file card. An old-school creation, but, pay attention, it delivers good advice for us all.

R.W. wrote: “Yes, fire prevention nagging is still on the agenda. You asked for a few more tips. In June 2018, I assembled a “Go Bag”. I also put together an index file card set-up for the last-minute items needed from each room, in the event of a quick evacuation.”

In the margin of the letter she put an asterisk and the words “see example”. The example is the 3×5 index card. At the top of the card, it says “Location: Mud Room”. Below, it says “List of Items:” and line by line below that, it says, “flashlights with batteries; dog’s meds and vet vaccination papers; dog’s leash, bowl, blanket, food (dog’s Go Bag); boots, gloves, jacket.”

R.W. continued: “When the Nov. 8, 2018 Camp Fire was raging down our canyon, I referenced the index cards for quick packing (this was done with a clear/concise mind vs. the adrenaline- fueled mind!!). I only took what was on the cards and packed in under 15 minutes.”

She continues: “The Camp Fire took our neighbor’s house and barn. We spend a lot of time clearing firebreaks and creating defensible space. It is our responsibility and I appreciate your informative column on being Fire Safe.”

On the back of the letter R.W. wrote: “Another tip: A neighbor rolled a wet beach towel and placed it inside his front door to prevent draft and embers from entering.”

She added: “P.S. We left our house 15 minutes before the Camp Fire hit. We know a First Responder saved our house and we are forever grateful! (smiley face)”

People, I’m reloading my dusty index file card box with R.W.’s tips. No relying on a computer file. By the time you evacuate, the power and internet are off, and a computer file is worthless.

Thank you, R.W. The first Fire Tip trophy goes to you!