If you or anyone you care about lives I’m California, now is a good time to prepare for a possible evacuation.
I would say this goes for anyone living in an area known to have seasonal fires. The exact contents of your “bug-out bag” and other evacuation prep may vary depending on your needs, but it’s a good idea to have something ready in case of short notice.
Not only will it make it easier for you to move it you need to, it means any time saved by preparing now will.be time you can use to help others, should the need arise.
It is always a good time for basic preparations. Having things good-to-go (GTG) is always smart. Have basic food water, medications, important papers, a written list of important names and phone numbers.
(Quick, off the top of your head tell me who your home-owners insurance guy is an how to contact them)
(How about your vets name and number in case you have to prove your dog is vaccinated against rabies)
Your DD-214.
The name and contact number of the doctor you need to call to get refills.
Your mother’s address and phone number.
DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE. Things happen. Cell phones fall into toilets, or simply lose their charge, or get fried when the power lines are on fire. Or, in one case I know about, get left behind in the rush to get out. Print a hard copy or, need be, manually write it all down. Make several copies. Give one to a trusted friend for safekeeping. Keep one in a safe deposit box. Even cloud storage fails sometimes. Hard copies are remarkably durable.
Have basic supplies for evacuation and recovery handy: Heavy-duty clothes suitable for hard use and a wide range of temperatures, heavy gloves, a crowbar, sturdy footwear. You may have to live with just what you bring. Basic toiletries, a toothbrush, wet-wipes, a couple of changes of underwear and socks can make a big difference.
Spending half a day sorting all this out may save weeks of worry and months of trouble.