When the Water fire in the Whitewater Preserve flared up Sunday afternoon, many residents in Pioneertown and Rimrock were surprised to hear that they should prepare for the possibility of evacuation. Crews got the Water fire under control within a few hours, which reduced the threat to the Morongo Basin, although Morongo Valley, Pioneertown, and Rimrock residents are urged to start thinking about what to do in case there is an evacuation order due to the Apple fire. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers these tips from Cal Fire on how to prepare in advance of an emergency evacuation order…
Once a mandatory evacuation order comes, residents don’t have much time to grab their essential items and leave. Cal Fire recommends that residents prepare their homes and themselves prior to getting the evacuation order. Make sure your emergency preparedness kit—filled with extra medications and eyeglasses, important documents, clothing, extra sets of keys, food and water, a first-aid kit, radio and extra batteries—is updated and ready to go, and located in a place where it’s easy to grab. Don’t forget to bring your pets, as well as their food, water, collars and leashes, too.
If you have time, grab your important photos, valuables, phone chargers, and computer information on thumb or external hard drives.
Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt (100% cotton is preferable), heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses.
If you have time before you leave, turn off your gas and pilot lights.
