Imagine having only a few minutes to decide what to take from your residence as a fire approaches. Think also about your escape route and how it could very easily be blocked. Then take a moment to wonder if all your life affairs are in order should you sadly not survive the situation.

Those are but a few of the thoughts that likely went through the minds of countless people recently in the greater Los Angeles area. Several fires in and around the nation’s second-largest city left people dead, houses and businesses burned to the ground, and more.

Closer to home, a fire on Tuesday, Jan. 21 in the Mission Valley area had residents and business owners on edge. The fire was fortunately contained after several hours through the hard work of area firefighters.

Ironically, I was sleeping that evening and had a dream that I was staying in a hotel room in the greater LA area when a fire broke out. Although I do not remember every single detail from the dream, I can recall coming out of my hotel room in a bit of a daze. Outside were firefighters hosing down the front of the complex. I recall they were concerned with the brush that was out front and had been smoldering. After that, my memory fades away.

While my fire story was a dream, so many other people lived it recently. To those who lost loved ones, properties, and more, our hearts go out to you. Even though fire deaths certainly occur, they’re probably not the first means of dying most of us think about. People typically die due to health-related matters, vehicle accidents, and so on.

For those having survived the recent fires and lost everything, our hearts are with you too.

Certain things you can never replace

Most people have prized items in their lives besides family and pets. To most of us pet owners, our pets are family.

Imagine losing things such as cherished photos that are not on your phone, heirlooms passed down from one generation of the family to another, awards you won over time, and so on. There are certain items you can’t replace no matter how hard you try to.

When I relocated to California some 30 years ago from Pennsylvania, I vividly remember family and friends warning me about earthquakes. My grandmother was worried about the “big quake” hitting California one day and that the state would fall into the ocean. Even though she passed away some 20 years ago, that fear thankfully never turned out to be real.

I was here for the notable San Diego fires in 2003 (Cedar Fire) and 2007 (Witch Creek Fire), respectively that were frightening and devastating at the same time. Living in the Rancho Bernardo/Sabre Springs area during the time of both, I did not have to evacuate, though we warned it could happen at a moment’s notice.

Despite the great year-round weather and the beautiful scenery we often take advantage of here, fires are a threat under the right conditions.

As such, we all must have a plan in place should a fire strike.

You never know when you will have to make a critical decision for yourself and others around you at a moment’s notice.

Crédito de la foto: Pixabay.com