The New Norm?

Here we are in October and November, and again there are devastating fires raging across our state causing significant destruction.  As I write this message, the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County has spread to over 75,000 acres, destroyed 124 structures, 57 of which are residential homes, and is only 15% contained with more high winds in the forecast.  The state is also concurrently dealing with fires in southern California, mainly the Getty Fire and the Tick Fire.

The states top 5 costliest and most destructive fires have occurred in the October/November/December timeframe of the past 2 years, and it appears that the Kincade Fire will soon add to that list.  With a population that continues to grow, infrastructure that continues to age, weather patterns that continue to be more severe, and resources that struggle to keep up, it sure appears that this is the new norm… which is extremely scary.

At the same time as the fires are ravaging through our state, over 2 million people are without power, many for several days at a time.  This obviously presents many logistical challenges for people, staying home from work because school is cancelled; no hot water or no heat; food spoiling in the fridge and freezer; essential

medical devices not working properly; cannot recharge battery-powered devices and appliances; etc.  Losing power is obviously a major inconvenience, but it is also a minor inconvenience compared with losing a home to fire, or even worse, losing a life.

So, what can we do?  Recent events have certainly elevated my awareness about being prepared at home.  We need to keep an emergency kit for those times when we lose power: flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, canned food, water, etc.  Hopefully it won’t come to this, but we all need to be prepared to pick-up and leave at a moment’s notice, so have your essentials (family belongings, photos, paperwork, etc.) gathered and stored in a location that makes them easy to grab and go.  As I have learned from my “first-responder” friends, we need to have a family plan in case we are separated.

On the professional side, we need to be aware of these changing conditions and incorporate them into our projects, and advise our clients accordingly.  Small changes, such as hardening a structure to be more fire resistant, recommending permanent on-site back-up generators, and designing site landscaping with appropriate fuel modification zones and set-backs are all minor upgrades that could have lasting long-term, and life-saving, impacts.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.  Take the time to give thanks for all of the good in your life, and enjoy the time with your family and friends.  And if you are able, help others.