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Some of y’all might already know this, but I’m a resident of good-ole Los Angeles. While living in California has many upsides (great weather, amazing wine, the ocean), the downsides are equally powerful (income tax, absurd rent, artificial personalities). But the worse? These fucking wildfires. And to top it all off… let’s just say I’m pretty damn close to some of them.
View from my office in Encino. This thing is wild. #WoolseyFire pic.twitter.com/0HpipQVYVI
— Katie Callaway (@Kecallaway) November 9, 2018
I used to live in the southeast where hurricane season dictated keeping an eye on evacuation policies. But these wildfires can happen any time of the year! I woke up this morning to texts making sure I wasn’t on evacuation notice (which I’m not… yet), and I kid you not: I didn’t know a fire was even happening in Ventura county. I’ve been battling a head cold for days now and have been in a NyQuil slumber every evening by 8:30 p.m., so I had no clue this fire let loose. Of course, once my NyQuil hangover subsided, the thoughts began:
Where is this fire? How close is it?
I opened Twitter to go to the LAFD and VCFD accounts to check on real-time updates. Well. It’s close. Not too close for a mandatory evacuation, but if it keeps growing that’s a real possibility. I immediately turn on all notifications for those feeds and get ready for work.
Wait… Should I go in to work, anyway?
There are school closures, so does that mean we get a “fire day” at the office? Since I’m not under mandatory evacuation, I’m thinking I still need to show up. Luckily, I can run home if the alert comes in to pack up the animals and valuables.
Oh shit. Packing. What would I need to pack?
You ever have those moments where you have no choice but to prioritize everything you own at once? Obviously the priorities include my dog, cat, passport, social security card, and a handful of clothes. What about that one purse? Nah. Don’t need it. But pet food. Yes. They’ll need to eat. Laptop? Oh. I’m typing on that right now. I already have that. Cool.
I DID remember to pay my renters insurance, right?…
I got the notice about two weeks ago that it was due, and I’m 99% sure it’s on autopay… Okay. I think I’m good. Even though honestly I have no clue what my renters insurance covers, I just know I’m required to have it. That’s probably irresponsible of me, huh?… Too late now. Whatever.
Wait – is my gas tank full?
Hold on… Did I feel up my gas tank this week? All checklists advise to have your tank full at all times but who the hell does that? Nobody! Will I even be able to drive a significant distance? Shit, shit, shit. Okay, I think I have at least half a tank… That should be plenty to at least re-fill at a safer zone.
In totally honesty – these fires are pretty damn scary because of their unpredictability. Not only do you never know when they’ll happen, but they also spread so incredibly quickly. Obviously, I’m not very prepared for a fire. I know where my important items are located if I needed to grab and go, but for the most part it’s tough to plan an exact evacuation process in advance beyond the basics.
Natural disasters are terrifying, regardless of which one your local area experiences the most frequently. Hopefully everyone remains safe if you’re around something scary right now.
At least fire is purifying… right?….
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KatieCallaway
Katie is 27 and is from Nashville, TN but lives in Los Angeles, CA as an actress, comedian, writer, and marketing manager. Although some might disagree, she likely peaked when she had dinner with Randy Jackson and he called her “dude” a lot. You can see her active on the Twitterverse at @KECallaway or you can also follow her new Insta at @KatieCallaway even though she hates Instagram.
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@katiecallaway
Be safe California pgp’ers! If something breaks out near you, have a “go” bag ready with all important documents, some clothes, cash, etc. so you don’t have to waste time worrying about those things and can focus on getting animals and sentimental items during that time
Lived in Western California last year and had some coworkers from Ventura who were saved from Wildfire Thomas. Not sure what’s more bizarre to see, the wildfire itself or the aftermath.
Agreed. The aftermath is just heartbreaking to see homes and businesses gone in the blink of an eye. It’s also incredibly sad to see wildlife in suburban areas too because their homes are getting destroyed and they don’t know where to run. I always try leave water out for them just in case.
Wait, wildfires have names like hurricanes?
Wait, is there an Eastern California? Lol. I’ve never heard anyone refer to the coast as Western California, it sounded funny when I read that. We all assume you don’t live in the armpit.
Really hoped this was going to be about how hard youre going to roast the next commentor who throws a sup your way
Tempting.
As someone who lives in Florida and has to deal with hurricanes regularly, this absolutely terrifies me. With hurricanes, there is some semblance of a warning where you can at least make a few preparations and thankfully pack that one purse. Best of luck. Stay safe.
Hurricanes are brutal too 🙁 I lived in Jacksonville for 5 years and those were always so scary. Natural disasters, in general, are just devastating.Thanks for the positive vibes, friend.
grew up and still live in SoCal. never had a snow day but can confirm that i’ve had about two weeks worth of “fire days” sprinkled throughout my life. Either because the roads were unsafe or because the air quality was so bad from the fires that it was literally unsafe to go outside and ash was falling from the sky.
Stay safe!
The videos online from the fires are just terrifying…..be safe!!!