Why Emergency Preparedness is Near & Dear to Me

After being hit hard by the 2014 earthquake in our Browns Valley home, John and I moved to a peaceful home built on solid rock on Dry Creek Road in 2016. When the fires started in 2017 we thought originally that the Mt. Veeder range was safe. One week later, though, a fire that started in Kenwood began rapidly burning its way East, over the mountain range behind our home.

We were eventually evacuated and the experience was SURREAL. We had one hour to pack up and go - with no dedicated plan!  We began gathering what we could, including our four pets, and all they needed for a day or two. Little did we know we wouldn't return for 18 days! 

After that experience, John and I wanted to give back to those that put their lives on the line. He volunteered for the Mt. Veeder Volunteer Fire Department, and I stepped up to Co-Chair the Annual Home Winemakers Classic, an annual event that raises funds for the volunteer fire department and the Mt Veeder Fire Safe Council. 

These experiences are why I ask that the community be offered Red Cross Ready, CPR and fire extinguisher training sessions.