Evacuations Ordered: Bernardo Brush Fire

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Evacuations Ordered: Bernardo Brush Fire - A Terrifying Night and Lessons Learned

Okay, so, let me tell you about this crazy night. I was, like, totally zoned out, watching some dumb reality TV – you know, the kind where people fight over a tiny island? Suddenly, my phone starts buzzing like crazy. It wasn't just texts; it was emergency alerts. Bernardo Brush Fire. Evacuations ordered. My heart did a freakin' flip.

<h3>The Initial Panic</h3>

I live pretty close to the Bernardo area. I mean, I knew there were hills, brush, the whole nine yards, but I never really thought about a fire this close. My first reaction? Pure, unadulterated panic. I grabbed my dog, Max – he's a total scaredy-cat, by the way – and started throwing essentials into a bag. Seriously, I think I even grabbed my favorite fuzzy slippers. Priorities, right? It was chaotic, total mayhem. My brain was screaming, "Get out! Get out NOW!"

<h3>What I Did Right (and Wrong)</h3>

Looking back, I did a few things right, surprisingly. I'd prepped an evacuation kit – a little survival kit, if you will – months ago after reading a news story about another brush fire. It had water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, some granola bars. This saved me a TON of time and stress.

However, I definitely messed up by not checking the official evacuation routes beforehand. I just blindly followed the traffic, which was a total nightmare. It took forever, and I was stuck in traffic with other panicked people — I felt completely helpless. So much for my carefully planned route!

<h3>Learning from the Experience</h3>

This whole experience was a massive wake-up call. Here's the lowdown on what I've learned and what I'm doing differently now:

<h4>1. Prepping a REAL Evacuation Kit:</h4>

My old kit was a joke. I now have way more water, non-perishable foods (think protein bars, not granola!), a fully charged portable charger, copies of important documents (insurance, ID, etc.), and an actual map of the area. No more fuzzy slippers!

<h4>2. Knowing Your Evacuation Routes:</h4>

This is HUGE. I've mapped out multiple escape routes using the official city resources. I even practiced driving them (yes, I'm that person!). You should too. Knowing multiple routes prevents being stranded. Consider this your fire drill but for your car.

<h4>3. Staying Informed:</h4>

Download your local emergency alert app. I use the official county one. It's way better than relying on just news reports or social media. Seriously, this will save your butt.

<h4>4. Community Preparedness:</h4>

Talk to your neighbors! Seriously. Knowing who's around and being able to check on each other during an emergency is awesome. We're planning a neighborhood meeting to discuss emergency planning next week.

<h3>The Aftermath</h3>

The fire eventually got contained (thank goodness!), but the fear… man, that stuck with me. It really makes you think about your preparedness and what’s important in life. It forced me to confront my own vulnerabilities and take the necessary steps to feel more secure. It wasn't easy, but hey, I'm way more prepared now.

<h3>Staying Safe During a Brush Fire</h3>

Remember folks, these fires can be incredibly dangerous. If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately. Don't hesitate. Your life is more valuable than anything you leave behind. Be safe! Follow those emergency alerts and plan ahead! Don't be like me – be prepared!