What to Grab in an Emergency Evacuation

 I have learned a couple of things from the recent, unprecedented wild fires that surrounded our valley - as well as a great deal of the west coast.  

Here's an official list of things to focus on...

But, besides this "get you started" list of things to think about, I found a couple of surprises as we sheltered evacuees last month.

Maybe keep an extra pair of underwear in your car.  People who left with just the clothes on their back talked about this dilemma (after about 3 days!).  And, when you are donating underwear, new is super appreciated!  Imagine having all that you own destroyed, and looking through donated items (not all, but much of which were things the donor would never wear in a million years).  The feeling of "this is good enough for you cuz you don't have anything" is not a nurturing, encouraging feeling.  The look in one women's eyes when we found a package of new underwear - just her size - was really, really great! And, then we found new, cute socks!  Oh my stars!  So fun!

A pillow.  People missed their pillows.  Having a new pillow, or at least a clean, close to new pillow seemed comforting...with a new pillowcase.  I would not of thought of that.

Because of COVID regulations, so much of what we needed had to be new - which complicated some things, especially that first day.  But, now I'm not sure that it wasn't a good thing in the long run. 

Faces flash before my mind as I write this blog.  People that had such great attitudes.  A novice team of volunteers who served (many, many hours) with joy.  Evacuees who were grateful and pleasant, even in their time of uncertainty and loss.  Love and provision received gratefully (for the most part).  No division.  No decisions based on politics or worthiness or color or.....   

 People who appreciated news updates, grass, air conditioning, a shower, information as to how to proceed next, a listening ear, day and night security, snacks and meals and water, dog and cat food, open temporary homes provided by strangers.

Don't forget to grab and hold onto a graceful, grateful attitude.  That is an amazing gift you can give - wherever you are, in all situations.