Saturday, September 3, 2011

Up In Smoke

This summer has been so dry and this has caused a lot of concern because of the chance of wildfires that could take place in our area of the state which is the northeastern part of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City area where my sister lives, has suffered from wildfires for the last month. It is nothing to see smoke rising from different areas around her. Luckily, the subdivision where she and her husband live has not been threatened. We have been watching the news of how some homeowners in subdivisions around the OKC area have been asked to evacuate. I just can't imagine the feeling they must have leaving their homes and not knowing it they will be there when they come back. Many have experienced this already and some have lost everything.

That got me to thinking.  What if my husband and I were asked to evacuate because of a possible wildfire threatening our subdivision. What would I take with me that I couldn't bear to lose if I had the time to do so. (say 30 minutes). I didn't have to think long and hard on this one.  Besides our two dogs I'd take the things that mean the most to me.


               My mother's paintings (38 of them) and family pictures.



Geneology notebooks and scrapbooks of my family and my husband's family that have taken years of research by various family members, including myself.

Our metal file box with our wills and other important documents would need to be taken with us as well. Everything else can be replaced, but not these items. I know it's a horrible thought but what would you take with you if you had to leave your home on a moments notice? 

Our area of the state is not under a burn ban since we've had some rain lately, but most of our state is still under one.  I'm praying for a wet and cooler fall so the peace of mind for all Oklahomans will return.

Christine

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I have thought of that also recently, because of hurricaines. I probably should make a list of what I should take if ever I should need to evacuate. Be prepared, right?

Oklahoma Granny said...

My list is pretty much the same as yours - family photos/videos, important papers and my scrapbooks.

Oklahoma Granny said...

And of course our dogs!

Anonymous said...

Us Floridians think of that when ever a hurricane threatens us, but I have a rubbermaid tote ready for a quick escape.

Anonymous said...

Pictures and important papers are on my list. I recently scanned all pictures to my computer and have them saved on disk. These are with the important pictures.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Like others, I've thought of that as well, and while I think I know what I would take (in addition to the dogs of course) I wonder if I'd be thinking clearly enough to get them...Maybe make a list and have it ready, just in case!

Anonymous said...

Right now, most of Mother's paintings are in one closet, so I would be able to grab them in two or three swoops. Pictures are in a tote which is quick and easy, too. Then my laptop and camera, cuz there are more pictures stored on them! And of course, Tootie. I don't own a lot of expensive jewelry, so anything of value I'd be wearing.

Vee said...

Good list. There are a few web sites that deal with this issue helping folks to be organized enough to know where things are stored, medications, that kind of thing. I know that canvas bags are all in one location and would be put to good use. I think I'd pick up the computer, too, because so much is on it!