After all of those that live and play in Central Oregon complaining about the lack of spring and more of what I have termed to be SPINTER (the combination of spring and winter) it is time to address what can be one of the scariest issues we face living in Central Oregon.
Fire!
Forest Fires happen and sometimes we have no control over them, lighting, campfires and arsonist seem to be our biggest causes, not in any particular order.
With the temperatures warming the brush drying out and growing being careful in the woods is a must. Should a fire approach your neighborhood and you are evacuated there is always the tough decision of what to take.
The family photos, important papers and so on. But I have created a quick list that you can plan ahead of time that will make your evacuation a little less stress full. We find that keeping a tote near our safe makes this easy. On top of the tote is a list of items that need to be added in case of evacuation.
• A Collar & Leash for the dog
• A copy of the dog’s vaccinations
• A copy of divers licenses, birth certificates and passport (copies in case you forget your wallet)
• Home owners and car insurance policy and contact info.
• Enough pet food for a day or two
• A couple bottles of water
• Non-perishable food (crackers and canned cheese kind of stuff)
• Camera
• House hold inventory (although I keep ours on line along with some of the other docs)
• Copies of keys to vehicles so if you are in a hurry and can’t find them they are there
• Address book or phone numbers of loved ones
• Flashlight and batteries
• Headache medicine
• A pair of socks and under ware for everyone
• Some cheap tooth brushes and tooth paste
• A battery operated radio
photo by Sam Beebe / Ecotrust
Excellent reminders…all anyone has to do is go to the areas that have been burned to see what can happen, so easily to know that you don’t always have time to get out. Your list is a good one.
our fires are so different from those that places like CA see – that we often do not realize what trouble it can be – we do not generally have firestorms like the LA fires do – but our fires can jump from tree tops and move very quickly.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
welcome – always feel free to ask questions – I am always looking for new topics