FIRE DANGER

Sitting at my computer listening to the Governor and our Fire Chiefs explain what is going on with all the “unprecedented” fires in Oregon right now. I am at the northern tip of Clackamas County…farthest away from the 4 forest fires ravaging our county at this time..so I am on Alert 1 of fire danger…the least urgent…thank the Lord. However, I have family and friends closer to the more frightful areas. Actually, a fire chief commented that the fire spread 17 miles in just one day..so going quite rapidly. So keeping track of the fire danger level near me.

Alert 1

On Alert 1 you are asked to be ready to evacuate and have a plan for your evacuation.

Alert 2 means pack your vehicle and be ready to go in a moment.

Alert 3 is when you are to immediately evacuate and GO.

In response I have packed a small bag and some papers and have readied my fish tank and supplies. If need calls, I will transfer my two dwarf African frogs, Henri and Marty, and my Nerite striped snail, Tigger, into a small temporary tank. We already had three power outages. The longest was for 13 hours yesterday. So happy to be able to see and hear the news…and charge my phone!

Climate Change

Sounds as if we are due for a long-awaited cool down sometime soon?…but our usual rain and normally cooler weather have been nowhere near us. Yes, Virginia, there is definite climate change happening! We have had weeks of high 80’s and 90’s this year. In fact a few years ago more than one week of hot, hot weather in August was unheard of in the Portland, Oregon area.

Staying in Touch

Texting back and forth to friends and family to see how all are doing. Very hard to concentrate on doing any real work right now! Just praying for all the firefighters who have been out in the thick of this horrific event for days and nights on end with burning uncontrolled fire all around. And, for all those who have had to leave their beloved homes not knowing what will happen in the near future…and those who have already completely lost their places of residence and treasured belongings, hopefully not their pets!

Personal Experience

Can only imagine how devastating the forest fires in California and Washington have been and how insanely unfortunate that they continue on without letup here in the western states.

The only fire I have ever experienced myself was many years ago in southern California. It broke out in a restaurant’s kitchen where I had stopped to have a bite right after completing the California Real Estate exam. As the flames became evident we were all ushered out and I swear I never saw people move so ‘slowly’ (it felt to me) in my life. I drove home wondering if that was some kind of omen about my entering Real Estate??? And, after exiting my car, my car kept moving. Luckily, I was able to jump in and set the emergency brake.

Learning More Family Details

This moment learned that my great nephew and family are trying to return from a road trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. However, all roads are closed to them to drive home safely. So that must include Idaho, Montana, and Utah??? not sure exactly where they are at present. Looks like they will have to find a secure place to retreat for the time being. So glad though to hear they are out of harm’s way.

Your County’s Alert Sign Up

I just signed up for an alert text message to be sent to my phone on the Clackamas County Public Alert sign-up page. And, I recommend everyone else to do the same in their location in case of any disaster coming your way. It will ask for your email and address as well as your phone number. Also, it will inquire about any pets you may have. Good to have that set up for yourself and your loved ones and your best pet friends.

Safeguard Your Pets

Another tidbit: I have seen signs you can put in your window(s) indicating that you have a dog(s) or cat(s) or other animals that need saving in an emergency fire, flood, or whatever. Good to use for your beloved animals.

STAY SAFE AND KEEP ALERT for yourselves and your neighbors!

Also take a look at a great chart for summer to safeguard your pet friends “Your Pet and the Heat”.

Thanks

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