StitchingAgain

This is a touchy, touchy subject for me as friends and family members lost homes in the Camp Fire in Paradise Ca last year. Unless you have a bag that you can grab and go, just go! One of my family members barely made it out alive because she took a moment to call and tell me she was evacuating. Literally one minute longer and she would be gone, killed by smoke or flames. Only what's alive is worth trying to save. Not even your antique wedding quilt. Not even the only picture you have of great aunt Tillie. Not even your precious keepsakes or your jewelry box. Nothing but the living is worth the risk. It is horrifying how fast a fire can move, not to mention the secondary fires that start when embers from the fire land on rooftops and such. If you ever have to evacuate, just please GET AWAY from the danger.

The Quilted Cottage

Like petthefabric, my home is located in a designated high fire risk area. I had my home built almost 30 years ago and it wasn't until the fire 3 years ago last summer that my home was given this designation. Just mentioning that because there may be some that wonder why I would build here. Designations can change over time and for various reasons. Some of you who never experienced flooding or tornadoes in your area but now do will understand.

I have had to be ready to evacuate several times over the years, and did actually have to leave when the last fire occurred 3 years ago. But I was ready. My home has an all purpose room located right before I exit into my garage. This is where I keep the cat carriers, pet food, emergency food and water, important papers and receipts, MacBook, and a few other emergency supplies. In addition, I always keep a backpack in my car with extra clothes, water, food and emergency supplies. We have earthquakes too!

The cats got "packed" first. Then the rest. I did take a few extra clothes because I was told it might be a few days before I could return. And one painting I painted years ago which I love. But I had time for this. If not, it would have only been the cats and myself. I take new pictures and a video every year of the interior and exterior of my home, which will help if anything does happen and I needed proof of loss for insurance purposes. My attitude is everything can be replaced. It's just stuff.

One thing I will add, I am an organized and tidy person. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to evacuate if I were not. There just is no time to be running around a house, up and down stairs, trying to locate things you might need. Herding cats is bad enough and I have 3! Lol!

rryder

Many years ago I learned exactly what I’d take if I had to get out with no warning or time to pack/plan.. We were living in the city at the time and there was a furniture factory across the alley directly behind out house. I opened the back door to let my dog out into the back yard and realized I couldn’t see anything due to smoke. Shut the back door, put a leash on my dog and ran out the front with her in tow. From there I could see the factory was on fire and burning embers were falling on the roof of my house and also my neighbors. Every house on that block was more than 100 years old and made of wood. Things did not look good. While standing there I watched my neighbors running back into their houses to rescue items. I thought about our keepsakes, musical instruments, pictures and artwork we’d made or that was made by friends and decided they were: memories, things I could replace, more memories, opportunities to make more creative stuff etc. I’d already gotten the two things that couldn’t be replaced out of the house, my dog and me. Long story short, the fire was put out, our roofs hosed down, little smoke damage, more damage to factory, but we lucked out.

If I had more time, I’d include prescriptions and important papers etc.

Rob

rjwilder

My cat, important papers that I have in one place in the safe, water, cell phone. We have a case of water by the back door and the cat's extra liter box and his stuff including the crate on top of the water. If there was time I'd grab some clothing and protein bars, any food item in the pantry that can be eaten on it's on with no food prep. I always keep baby wipes and toilet paper in the car.

Onebyone

Having lost everything I had once it still causes a twinge of hurt now and then. Of course it's all just stuff but it was my stuff. Ever since I haven't attached myself to items that would cause me more hurt to lose it. The few things I do cherish are few and easy to have ready to be taken to safety.

Quilter 53

After the 7.1 earthquake here in Alaska in Nov 2018, everyone was talking about remember the "P's"
People
Pets
Phone
Perscriptions
Papers
And pretty much in that order. Basically, if you haven't planned for it in advance and time is very short, just get out!

Tartan

The 5 P’s are brilliant Quilter53. I am going to post them on my fridge.

sewingitalltogether

My sister was close to the big fires in Oregon last summer. She said the had 3 levels. First was watch and wait. Second was pack and be ready. She said they packed their trailer and pointed it towards the road. And the third was leave now. They left before the last call. They were ok in the end except it rained ashes.
I think I should check out those sites on bug out bags. Can’t imagine needing to leave quick but you never know. I’m very slow. Would probably forget some important stuff. Some of those coastal areas do evacuate. Sometimes a few times a year.

copycat

If I had time, I would grab the quilts I have made. I can't replace the quilts with the memories I have made, as the fabrics are no longer available. Insurance can replace the other items.

Annaquilts

When we had time to pack we threw, papers, pictures and quilts in our motor home. If you are told to go now, go with everything living. Do not go back in. Too many bad stories.