Yes, John, Gizmo and I are safe. I wasn’t pet ready for disaster or even ready for our important possessions! Some of you may be wondering “safe from what?”

Let me explain. On Monday, April 18, 2022, the Crooks (Forest) Fire was declared in our area. People were put on immediate alert to get ready to leave their homes. We live just 2 miles from this line. I wasn’t pet ready for disaster or even ready for our important possessions!

I quickly learned what Ready, Set, Go means.

• Ready means a fire is in the area and start getting ready to leave.
• Set means be packed and ready to evacuate. Sometimes Set is your only notice.
• Go means evacuate immediately! Don’t delay. They mean NOW!

Yes, I heard of Go Bags and didn’t have one. Suddenly I’m packing our Go Bag and wondering what all we needed.

I froze as I tried to think of everything we needed. Fortunately, we were not evacuated.

Crooks Fire in Prescott National Forest

Now flash forward two weeks. We are safe. The Crooks Fire in Prescott National Forest is 9,402 acres and 83% contained. The fire crews held the containment lines during 35-35 mph winds!

When the winds were less than 30 mph, helicopters dropped over 1.2 million gallons of water! Drones prove vital information on the fire locations, etc. The last area needing containment is very steep, rough terrain and will take some time to put the fire out in this area.

I’m impressed how well how information flowed to us. Immediately information was posted on Facebook by Yavapai County Sheriff and Prescott National Forest. These became my go-to place for information.

Immediately, the Red Cross announced an evacuation center in Prescott and where to bring evacuated pets and large animals. At one point, the large animal evacuated area had horses, goat, ducks, chickens, and a “very noisy rooster!” These people were pet ready for disaster. The large animal evacuated area was ready in hours.

For information on individual US forest fires, go to InciWeb — it is the national official word for United States Forest Fires! My Facebook posts came from there. It has information, announcements, closures, photos, map, and more!

We are so grateful for all the women and men who keep us safe. Over 830 personnel are still working here. They camp in a local park and many work very long days — some more than 15 hours a day. They work 14 days and then go home! The fire is fought 24 hours a day!

I still tear up from gratitude as I see them going to and from the fire area. One main road to the fire is the backs up to our property.

Lessons Learned – Become Pet Ready for Disaster!

Here’s what I learned. A disaster can happen any place. It can be a forest fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, winter storm, etc. I wasn’t pet ready for disaster! Yes, I learned I needed to be more prepared.

For me, my Go Bag includes important papers, prescriptions, and jewelry. Also pack bottled water and nonperishable food for 3 days, flashlight and extra batteries, a few days clothes. Don’t forget your computer, phone, chargers, etc. This is the minimum!

I searched for good information on pet ready for disasters. I a booklet on Wildfire Preparedness for household pets. It gives very specific information we all need to keep for our pets safe in any disaster. Click here to download it.

Additional resources to become pet ready for disaster:

• A simple 2-page checklist pdf by the CDC.
• American Veterinary Medical Association video and a great download “Saving the Entire Family” that covers pets and livestock.
• Or find one that fits your needs. Other groups like the AKC have lists too.
• Tips for dogs in flooded areas.
• Some more ideas in another blog.

Use what is best for you! Be sure to tell your pet what is happening and why.

Fires Are Scary

If you are in Western United States or fire prone areas, learn the fire restriction rules in your area and please follow them.

As the news has shown so many times, the wind can change quickly.

Please take time to make your Go Bag now or plan for the possible disasters in your area. I learned snow storms and blizzard warnings give you time to buy food prepare. An alert for a fire sometimes means leaving immediately.

Please be pet ready for disaster! And of course be safe yourself! It helps to “Be Prepared” as Smokey Bear says!