Fire danger

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

Alert 1 – 2 – 3 Go

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 packed a small bag and some papers and readied my fish tank and supplies. If need called, I would transfer my Nerite snail, Tigger, into a small temporary tank and my kitty, Josie, into her stroller. We had already experienced three power outages. The longest was for 13 hours. I was extremely happy to be able to see and hear the news…and charge my phone!

Climate Change

Sounded as if we were due for a long-awaited cool down sometime soon but our usual rain and normally cooler weather were not in sight. Yes, Virginia, there is definite climate change happening! We had WEEKS of high 80’s and 90’s that year. It was September of 2020. In fact a few years prior more than ONE or TWO WEEKS of hot, hot weather in August was unheard of in the Portland, Oregon area.

Staying in Touch

Texted back and forth to friends and family to see how all were doing. It was very hard to concentrate on doing any real work! I was just praying for all the firefighters out in the thick of that horrific event for days and nights on end with burning uncontrolled fire all around. And, for all those who had to leave their beloved homes not knowing what would happen in the near future…and those who had 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. Yikes!

Learning More Family Details

During all the fire news I was anxious to learn that my great nephew and family were trying to return from a road trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. However, all roads were closed to them to drive home safely. So that must have included Idaho, Montana, and Utah. I wasn’t sure exactly where they were at that time. They had to find a secure place to retreat. But I was very happy to hear they were out of harm’s way.

Your County’s Alert Sign Up

I 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. You can order these signs free from ASPCA.

STAY SAFE AND KEEP ALERT for yourselves and your neighbors!

Also take a look at life saving info to safeguard your pet friends from heatstroke in hot summer.

Thanks

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