Rancho Bernardo Brush Fire Evacuations

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Rancho Bernardo Brush Fire Evacuations: My Family's Scary Night & What We Learned

Okay, so, you know how Southern California summers are? Hot, dry, and… crispy. Yeah, well, last year, that "crispy" feeling turned into a full-blown brush fire evacuation in Rancho Bernardo. Let me tell you, it was intense.

I'd never actually experienced a mandatory evacuation before. I'd always thought, oh, it'll never happen to me. Spoiler alert: It happened. And it sucked. But, hey, at least I learned a few things, right? Maybe this can help you avoid some of the stress I went through.

That Panicked Phone Call

It started with a frantic phone call from my neighbor, Brenda. "Evacuate! The fire's spreading fast!" she yelled. I kinda freaked. My kids were home, and my husband was stuck in traffic – typical San Diego. Suddenly, everything felt chaotic. I grabbed my kids, the dog (Chaos – ironically named, I know), and some essentials. But, let me tell you, I completely forgot the important stuff. More on that later.

What to Grab During a Brush Fire Evacuation

This is where I'll share my mistakes – and what you should absolutely do:

• Documents: Passports, insurance info, important papers – stuff you can't replace easily. I grabbed photocopies, but originals would have been better.
• Medications: This seems obvious, but I almost forgot my daughter's inhaler!
• Photos: I managed to snag a few family photo albums, but honestly, cloud storage would be way easier.
• Cash: ATMs might be down during an emergency.
• Chargers: For your phones, obviously. My husband's phone died, which made communication a nightmare.

We left with a grab bag of essentials, and a whole lotta fear. The red glow on the horizon was terrifying. The air smelled like smoke, and the sirens were deafening. That's when reality truly hit. We were part of a mass evacuation, and there was very little that I could control.

The Evacuation Center: A Mix of Emotions

The evacuation center was… interesting. It was set up in a local school gymnasium. People were everywhere – some calm, some frantic. Kids were running around, and there was a collective anxiety in the air. My kids were surprisingly well-behaved, bless their hearts. But it was pretty stressful trying to soothe them and maintain composure. We shared stories with other families and tried to make the best of a bad situation.

What I Learned (The Hard Way)

1. Have an evacuation plan: Seriously, create one now. Know your routes, your meeting places, and where your nearest evacuation center is located. This information is readily available on the and should be printed and available for everyone.

2. Go-Bag: This isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity. Pack a bag with essential documents, medications, a few changes of clothes, and other important items. Keep it in an easily accessible location. I’ve heard that some people even keep their cars stocked with a go-bag; that sounds smart.

3. Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county. Local news channels are your best bet. Social media can be helpful, but be wary of misinformation.

4. Take Care of Yourself: Stress management is crucial during an emergency. Take deep breaths, talk to others, and don't hesitate to seek support.

The Rancho Bernardo brush fire was a terrifying experience, but it taught me valuable lessons about preparedness. It's a wake-up call – one I hope you can learn from without having to go through the same thing. Staying informed, planning ahead, and having a go-bag are vital for navigating these situations. Trust me on this one.