Ironically, in light of the disastrous fire in the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray, the first week of May is officially known as Emergency Preparedness Week.
The people of Fort McMurray are living a disaster right now as a massive wild fire consumes their homes and city.
There are two important lessons that I have been reminded of as a result of the Fort McMurray fire. The first is that it is important to have AT LEAST half a tank of gas in your car or truck at all times. Do NOT go home at night, no matter how tired you are, with an almost empty gas tank with the intention of “of, I will fill it up in the morning.”
Another thing that the Fort McMurray fire reminded me of is the importance of having a bag of “stuff” somewhere near an exit to your house that has even the bare minimum of stuff you might need in the event of an emergency exit from your home.
I have a bag packed and ready to go that sits near the exit from our garage door. The bag can be carried backpack style in case I am walking out. The bag is packed with toothbrushes, mouthwash, deodorant, socks and underwear. Of course I have other zombie slaying tools like knives and hand tools and medications in it as well but the fact is, it is ready to go at a moments notice.
Perhaps we can all learn a little lesson from the situation that the folks of Fort McMurray are facing.