A Few Minutes with the Mayor – March 2023

The middle of winter is always a good time to plan ahead and most of us love to think of travel or garden projects. Recently, I participated in a discussion of another area that requires some planning.

One of the most important areas to prepare for is something I have mentioned several times previously. That would be a plan to evacuate your home with “Bug Out Bags” and travel supplies, for an emergency situation. Living in an area known for smoke and fire danger it is essential, and now is a good time to look through your gear or put together what you need. Make sure your supplies are up to date and sufficient to meet the needs of your family and pets. We have set aside an area in our garage with the necessities we might need if we had to leave suddenly. This includes a “go bag” for each person and supplies for our vehicle.

Everyone can set up a B.O.B. and supplies with a little forethought. The main purpose of your bag and supplies is to get you from your home to your designated place of safety. These should be looked at as specific travel supplies used only to ensure your travel, and transition to safety, easily. It should not be used for other purposes or you will find out the hard way that items were used and not replaced. Your supplies for your vehicle will be different than a backpack you might carry.

Start by making a master list. Keep a copy with your supplies and in your vehicle. Don’t stuff your bag. This is a time to be light and practical, as you might have to walk to your destination. Some people keep their bikes and bike racks handy for such an emergency. Each person should have their own bag and you can teach your dog to carry a dog pack with their food in it. Each family will have individual needs; your supplies do not have to be exactly like your friends or neighbors.

Your basic personal bag should include a waterproof packet with copies of important papers, prescriptions, and some cash. Add water, a water filter, easy to eat food such as nuts, jerky, energy bars and dried fruit, practical shoes and clothing, a jacket, maps, an up-to-date navigation system (or smartphone with downloaded current maps), flashlight, fire source, phone charger, and small first aid kit.

Having a vehicle greatly increases what you can take with you. Camping supplies for your vehicle are a good place to start. Buy an inexpensive battery-operated radio, in case cell phones don’t work, to listen to news updates. Add a trauma kit to your vehicle. Imagine what you would need for a long weekend camping trip. A good way to figure out what is right for you is to try a test, traveling to your safe place, imagining trouble along the way. This is also a good opportunity to review the City of Jacksonville Emergency Evacuation Checklist and Map, along with the Citizen Emergency Guide, developed and distributed to the people living in Jacksonville, in 2021. Copies are available online at www.Jacksonvilleor.us and at City Hall.

I can’t stress enough how planning, and being able to execute an evacuation, may save your life and your family’s. It is never too early to start and I encourage you to give evacuation planning some thought. We have two months until the temperatures start to climb and we are in the midst of fire season.

I hope you all are finding mid-winter activities to keep busy and have fun. Our cold, clear winter days are a great time to be out enjoying our beautiful town and our many hiking trails. Come home to a hot drink and start organizing your evacuation plan!