Our hearts go out to our fellow Californians, and neighbors in Oregon and Washington, afflicted with everything from unhealthy air, to destruction of property and threat to safety. We have all been through so much this year. The fires feel like another test, one we’d rather not take.
First, please be sure you understand the fire threat in your area, both current as well as potential. What is the foliage situation around your building? Are you on a hill? What are your escape routes from the building? What are your driving routes if you live in more remote areas? Do you have a “go bag” of important docs, money, gloves, and other must-haves? Are you keeping your car tank at least half full all the time?
Next, here are among the many resources you can consult, to assess your situation in more detail, and prepare according to expert advice.
CalFire (California Dept of Forestry and Fire Protection) maintains the excellent Ready for Wildfire website, that includes how to “harden” your property against fire, as well as a great checklist for preparing for evacuation.
The San Diego Union-Tribune created this shorter overview with some preparation tips.
The American Red Cross provides these tips to Central Californians (which really includes the SF Bay Area) to prepare themselves, and tips for dealing with aftermath.
If you live in the SF Bay Area, but are away from fire danger, you are likely still dealing with the physical and psychological impact of all this smoke and ash. Thank you 2020!
The smoke affects our ability to breathe, and further constrains our normal activities beyond limits already imposed by Covid-19. And then the crazy looking skies have led to widespread reports of increased anxiety. I know we felt more anxious two days ago (“Orange Sky Day”).
Consider an air cleaner for your living space. We own these units, and all have been fine for us.*
- Blue Air in their two smaller sizes. Nice looking no-frills units, with relatively higher air flow capacities.
- Winix 5500-2 has been a good all-purpose unit, with a handy auto feature that measures air quality in your room, and changes settings accordingly
Be sure to go a little easier on yourself physically and psychologically, because the smoke and sky effects are real.
From all of us at Memento Press, we wish you luck, and hope that at least the fire season portion of our beloved 2020 starts to get easier soon!
– Damir, Carlo, Justin, Sheryl & Josh
*We have no association with any of the companies or organizations mentioned in this note. We are not promoting anything purveyed, communicated or sold by any of these entities, and are in no way confirming their suitability for your particular situation.
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