After freak lightning strikes peppered the state last week and sparked over 350 fires, Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynnette Round told the East Bay Times that “all the citizens in California [should] be ready to go if there is a wildfire.”
While everyone prepares to evacuate California, I am safe. For now.
It’s an anxiety-inducing situation from every angle. Everyone’s supposed to be ready to evacuate — but where is even safe right now? Over the last several years, the West Coast has seen an exponentially growing threat of forest fires, with each year bringing more devastation than the last. It’s not getting better; it’s getting worse. A lot worse.
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It’s all unbearable, but the part that I really can’t stand is people who find excuses to just do nothing and wait for 2021, convinced these events will go away and the world will magically undergo the change we need.
I refuse to believe that. I won’t wait around until 2021.
Let’s deal with 2020. Let’s work on 2020.
Make an evacuation and emergency plan
It doesn’t matter if you are currently in California or elsewhere. Make an evacuation and emergency plan. Fires and accidents can happen without notice, and they happen fast. Organize a “go bag” with everything you’ll need in an emergency. You can find a variety of checklists online for what to include. Make a plan with family members or roommates about where to meet up, how to get out, and the safe place you’ll travel to. If you live by yourself, familiarize yourself with the exit routes and contacts you may need to call for help. If you’re not sure whether you need to evacuate, Cal Fire has evacuation information here.
Stop. Drop. Don’t panic.
The pandemic. The natural disasters. Jobs, housing, family. There is a lot going on to process right now. Before letting negative emotions overwhelm you, try to own your feelings first. It’s okay to feel anything you’re feeling. Breathe and count to three. Focus on the present with your body and mind in the now. Do not make irrational decisions based on irrational emotions.
Don’t wait for 2021
Do it today. Make a change and act now — because if you don’t change in the present, then what’s going to be different next week or in 2021? Nothing.
Help someone else
If you are privileged enough to give time, donate money, provide supplies, or otherwise help others, don’t hesitate. Here are ways to give back to the Bay Area community right now. Even if it’s only a dollar or you have to wake up an hour earlier. Do it! So many people are struggling right now, but we are all stronger together. Plus, being of service to others has the added benefit of making you feel better, too.
Be merciful. Be empathetic. Be righteous.
Two of my friends lost a parent this summer. Small businesses are closing left and right. It’s really just not a good time for anyone. You may cross paths with someone who is rude, oblivious, or impatient. You’re allowed to be annoyed by that, but just remember that you don’t know what they’re going through and what type of day, month, and year they have had. Be respectful; don’t be so quick to judge or demonize others. Have compassion.
To change the world, change yourself
Clever people want to change the world. Wise people work on themselves. Society is made up of individuals, so changing that society must start with one person. Don’t trust your friends to make the change or assume the world will magically do it on its own. Educate yourself, raise awareness, start a fundraiser, be mindful of your consumerism, or volunteer. Even small acts of kindness encourage others to follow.
Be vulnerable. Be strong.
Honestly, I’m freaking out. I am scared, but I can’t sulk in my feelings. Because of the forest fires, I don’t have time. Fire spreads fast. Fast-fast. No time. Being scared makes my mind and body more alert — it sends a signal to get my hormones going. I need to be smart about how I channel that energy. I try to consciously be vulnerable and not make any irrational decisions based on fear. I can feel strongly and deeply and still be courageous. That’s what we all need.
Take care
Make time for self-care and self-love. Carve out some normality within your day, even by just taking a few minutes to breathe. We’re human. We need to take a break to be able to push through without breaking ourselves in the process.
Amid this unfortunate series of events, I hope everyone can attain peace and self-care. But if you’re struggling to get there on your own, reach out for help. Let’s lean on each other. Make each other stronger. Like a lot of you, I’m scared. Maybe a little unsure. Maybe feeling small. But that’s why we lean on each other — to help each other through the dark times.
