Ready Before You Need To Be

Wildfire does not make appointments. It does not wait for summer, red flag warnings, or a convenient time. It can start miles away and change direction in a matter of hours.

For those of us living in Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, and Angelus Oaks, preparedness is simply part of living in the forest.

The goal is not to live in fear. The goal is to avoid making important decisions under pressure.

Imagine receiving an evacuation warning this evening. What would you take? What would you leave behind? Where would you go? Who would you call?

Those are questions worth answering before they need answers.

Know What Matters Most

Every household should have a written list of the items they would want to take if evacuation becomes necessary.

Your list might include:

• Prescription medications

• Eyeglasses and medical equipment

• Insurance documents and identification

• Family photographs and keepsakes

• Computer backups and important records

• Pet supplies and medications

• Items needed for children or family members with special needs

• Personal valuables that cannot be replaced

Keep the list somewhere visible. A refrigerator door, household binder, or emergency folder all work well.

When stress levels rise, memory often becomes unreliable. A simple list can make difficult moments much easier.

Think Ahead About Transportation

A vehicle with little fuel can quickly become a problem during an evacuation.

Keeping your vehicle reasonably fueled throughout the year provides options when conditions change unexpectedly.

Remember that road closures, detours, and power outages can affect travel plans. The quickest route out may not always be available.

Protect What Cannot Be Replaced

Store copies of important documents in more than one location.

Consider keeping digital copies in secure cloud storage and physical copies with trusted family members or friends outside the area.

Maintain a printed list of important phone numbers and addresses. Electronic devices are helpful, but they are not infallible.

Build Your Go Kit

A flashlight, batteries, portable radio, first aid supplies, medications, water, and basic necessities should be easy to locate and ready to leave with you.

You do not need to prepare everything in a single day.

Preparedness happens one step at a time.

The Best Time Is Before

Most wildfire losses occur because people are forced to make decisions too quickly.

The more preparation completed before an emergency, the more choices remain available during one.

Preparedness is not about expecting the worst. It is about being ready if the worst arrives.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay ready.

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