Be Ready. Act Early. Lead by Example.
- Michael Schmitt
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Public Safety Tips for January
When emergencies happen, the biggest threat isn’t always the fire — it’s the delay. Most people know they should prepare, but they wait. They hope things will stay normal. They look to neighbors before acting. They freeze because they don’t have a plan.
Here’s how to break through that hesitation and keep your family safe.
1. Prepare in Simple, Small Steps
Big preparedness lists overwhelm people. Then nothing gets done.
What to do:
Pack or buy one thing at a time — water, a flashlight, pet supplies, medication backups, a “go bag,” etc.
Know where your gas shut-off and emergency tools are located.
Even partial preparation is far better than none.
2. Think Through Scenarios Before They Happen
In a crisis, people freeze because they haven’t imagined what to do.
Take one minute and ask:
If we had to leave in 10 minutes, what would we grab?
If the power went out tonight, where’s the flashlight?
If the road is closed, what’s our alternate route?
A little mental rehearsal makes real-world action automatic.
3. Don’t Wait for “Proof” — Act on Official Alerts
When we issue an alert, it means conditions are real and developing.
Normalcy bias makes people assume nothing bad will happen — especially here. But waiting for a second opinion (or for your neighbor to start packing) wastes precious minutes.
What to do:
Trust official information from the District.
If you see smoke, wind, or changing conditions, move early.
Don’t wait for confirmation from others.
4. Be the Neighbor Who Sets the Example
In every evacuation, people look around to see if others are reacting. If it doesn’t look like anyone is moving, no one moves.
What to do:
Start packing early if danger is rising.
Clear your property, prep your car, check on others.
Your actions help the entire neighborhood overcome hesitation.
Talk with neighbors who’ve lived through past fires — we have a lot of collective experience here in the canyon.
Bottom Line: Preparation Brings Peace of Mind
Preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about confidence.
Small steps taken today reduce stress when conditions change tomorrow.
Start small. Start now.