Have you ever been "evacuated"?

[Freya]

I am a wee tad too close to the AZ fires and the evacs keep inching closer and closer.



Have any of you ever been evacuated from where you live for whatever reason?

[Freya]

Better question... if you were evac'd and everything literally was lost, what would you do next?

[Old Vet]

Originally Posted by Freya

I am a wee tad too close to the AZ fires and the evacs keep inching closer and closer.



Have any of you ever been evacuated from where you live for whatever reason?

I have not been evacuated but I helped to evacuate many. The ones that I helped to evacuate were from tornadoes and floods. It is hard to prepare for either one. But you have notice now so gather up all the papers you may need and even some furniture. Load it on a trailer and get ready even if you don't have to evacuate. Or just wait until they make you evacuate and leave everything behind. I would also gather up as many of the livestock as possible and take them with you when you leave. Now is the time to rent a trailer if you don't have one or even a truck to load.

[Whisperwindkat]

We had to evacuate because of Hurricane Andrew years ago in south Florida. We gathered up all our important papers like insurance and packed those in the car. Also got a bag ready and packed that with clothing and necessities. I also grabbed the photo albums because they are the one thing that I don't want to lose. We had pets so we packed food, water and supplies for them in the car. In other words, if we had to leave the car was packed and ready to go with everything we needed. We the evac teams came around telling us to leave the island it was simply a matter of closing up the house and leaving. Oh one more thing we already knew where we were going and had contacted our friends so when we pulled in they were not surprised to see us. Once I had livestock, my plan was always the same except the trailer had to be loaded. If you have to leave livestock behind make sure they have halters with your information on the halter and if you have to leave them behind open all gates and close them out of the barn. This gives them a chance to survive and a chance for you to recover them at some point. Blessings, Kat

[Callieslamb]

I never have but I'd like to think I'd do what Whisperwindkat did.

I have a cousin in Eagar, she has been keeping me updated on the fires there. My prayers are with you!

If we ever lost everything, we'd build again.

[Txsteader]

Many times. Hurricane country.

Whisperwindkat's post pretty well covers it. Take those things that are irreplaceable, should your home be destroyed (photos, important papers, etc.) along w/ things you'll need while away from home (clothing, meds, blankets, etc).

[sisterpine]

I have been watching the fires down Sierra Vista way as I know several folks down there. It is looking very scary and I know the fire fighters are doing their best to knock the fire down. These mostly grass fires seem to be different than forest fires as they move very quickly all by themselves, then add a bit of wind and look out. sisterpine

[jwal10]

I have not but been close 2 times. 2 forest fires in 1988 and we were in the middle and 1 grass fire in 1996. I have always kept 2 wooden totes ready and waiting with the really important stuff. Just side them in the vehicle with the guns and get out of Dodge....James

[Wolf mom]

I worked at the Wallow Fire evacuation center and have two horses that were evacuated from near where the fire started. Thought I may have to evacuate due to the Lone Pine fire during this.

It's so sad to see those who were evacuated and not prepared. The sadness at the potential of loosing everything. Those who came with animals only to be told their dogs/cats couldn't be taken into the shelter and the fear that ran across their faces when they thought they'd "loose" them if taken to a pound.

The two horses I have were taken to Luna NM. Then, a couple days later, the wind shifted. They had to be moved again. Their owners were on their way back for two more horses and were told they couldn't enter the area - not even with a sheriff escort - so they had to leave the last two. ( they were finally evac by the forest service, but the owners were told that one panicked and it was very hard to catch.

Moral: Be prepared - all important papers in one place, family heirlooms whatever - Animals? I'd move large ones sooner than when told you have to evac., further away than you originally estimated (make arrangements tomorrow). Stock up on cages for small animals now. and have cash on hand, (if electricity goes out, only cash will be good.) - If you are elderly, leave sooner - if it's a fire - the smoke will be dreadful for your lungs.

Part of evacuating is the traffic with everyone going at the same time, the confusion with many people doing everything at once. I thought I was prepared, but it's the last minute things that you've forgotten that will prey on your mind if you loose them. I'm glad I had the opportunity to have a "dry run". I also would not stay in a shelter - maybe go for food, if needed, but I'd "camp out".

If I had to leave animals behind, I'd spray paint my cel number on their sides.

And I have to thank all the red cross workers, animal shelter workers who brought cages, transportation workers, and all the scouts, church people and everyone who donated.

I called a feed store, asked if they'd leave 2 bales of hay outside if I paid (credit card) for it before they closed. Not only did they say someone had given them $100.00 for feed for evacuated anomals, but they stayed open to help me load the hay. Nice.

There was an article in yeasterday's paper about those who were concerned about the wild life. The elk are fine & move away from the fire. In the Rodeo-Chadeski fire of aprox the same size as this, it was estimated that about only 100 elk did not survive.

[plowjockey]

Close.

We lived in a 2BR apt in So. CA, when wildfires drew near. We could see flames approaching the million$ homes across the road. Never received the order.

It funny, at that time we shoved most of our "precious belongings", into about a half dozen garbage bags.

Now we'd probably need a moving van and large stock trailer.

[PNWest]

Yes. A Hell's Canyon fire 60 years ago. I was young, scared and my parents had a serious time moving away from the fire. The only way in or out of our place was the river. The fire approached from across the river, and jumped it in many places. We would have to had evac'td. into the face of the fire.

I remember my mother packing GG'as cast iron skillet, beans, a CI kettle and some bacon, flour, and baking powder and yeast. Dad had his guns, and something, [I don't remember what] in a small canvas sack.

My mother fussed until Dad went back for the coffee pot, and a few forks and spoons.

The fire burned all around us, but left our small pocket of a ranch alone.
We had a terrible time with the excess of rattlers, that moved into the unburned areas. Same with the varmints, and deer.

All those in the fire's path, have my prayers.

[ldc]

I've evacuated once for hurricane. It was the first time, and I packed in under an hour. Spent most of the drive up to Arkansas realizing all the things I'd forgotten. I'd like to think I'm more organized now, but truth to tell, I have too much stuff and more pets...ldc

[Freya]

Originally Posted by sisterpine

I have been watching the fires down Sierra Vista way as I know several folks down there. It is looking very scary and I know the fire fighters are doing their best to knock the fire down. These mostly grass fires seem to be different than forest fires as they move very quickly all by themselves, then add a bit of wind and look out. sisterpine

The fire took a very bad turn this weekend. It's actually at the top of the front page of Google news right now. I hope your friends are ok!!!


Here is a very recent new article: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/arti...b2cbfa5c2.html