Here in Northern California, many have lived through emergency evacuations. Some get to go back to their homes where nothing has changed, some go back home and have to rebuild everything they ever had and some have to start all over in a completely different location. Many of these people are forced to leave everything behind from homes, and belongings to lifelong friends.
Here are two personal stories from People First Advocates in Northern California: one a survivor of the CARR Fire in July 2018 and one a survivor of the Dixie Fire in July 2021.
Being prepared will help keep you safe if you have to evacuate. At the end of this blog Rebekah, a presenter of the Feeling Safe, Being Safe emergency preparedness team will share a few tips that will help you prepare for any type of emergency evacuation.
When we had to evacuate from the Camp Fire I was so beyond scared.
Yes, I did have a place to meet up with my family. But, my husband and I did not drive and we had to trust strangers to get us to safety.
To the people of Maui: Do not give up on hope. Yes, it may be hard at times, but look at Paradise, CA. It has been almost 5 years since the Camp Fire happened. All things will be worth it in the end. Yes, Paradise is slowly rebuilding.
Maui as I have learned from being a survivor of the Camp Fire, home will always be home, whether you’re there to see it being rebuilt from near or far.
Just have faith. It may be hard but don’t lose faith. My prayers are with you guys at this time…
By Taya Rathburn-Bias-Cooper Paradise, CA Camp Fire Survivor
That night when I walked outside I felt like I was in hell.
The sky was hot, smoky, and red. The falling ash felt like the sky was falling. When it sunk in how close the fire really was, I started to cry because it was so scary. I realized I was not prepared to evacuate. Now, being a trainer on the Feeling Safe, Being Safe team has helped me be better prepared.
I feel so sad for the people in Maui. I can’t imagine how it would feel to lose everything you have. It must be scary not knowing what the future is for them. I wouldn’t know what direction to go first. I feel so blessed that I still have my kids.
I hope the people of Maui hold tight to their family and friends, they still have, for the emotional support they need to help get each other through the rest of these rough times.
Here are a few things you can do to help you be better prepared:
- Pack your “Emergency Go Bag”
- a. Make sure you have your list of emergency contacts.
- b. Pack a list of your medication in your “Go Bag.’
- Make your plan for how you will evacuate and where you will go
- Pack a “Go Bag” for your pets
- Keep your “Go Bag” in an easy-to-grab location.
By Rebekah Amick Carr Fire Survivor, Feeling Safe, Being Safe Team Member
You can ask for a free presentation on our Feeling Safe, Being Safe page on this website. These presentations are in person in Northern California or to any location, worldwide, over Zoom.
