THE BEST RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT EVER! (or my time interviewing firefighters)

August 14,2009 Friday

Some areas of evacuation
Wildfires-People living in the California areas of Swantoon and Bonny Doon have been ordered to evacuate due to the Lockheed fire

Some areas of potential evacuation
Wildfires-any California residents living close to the numerous wildfires blazing in the state
Flooding-coastal east coast residents (especially South and North Carolina) still need to be prepared for possible flooding

IF YOU KNOW ANYONE IN THESE AREAS PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION.


THE BEST RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT EVER! (or my time interviewing firefighters)

While I was researching and writing my book (The Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan), I had to spend a great deal time alone. Just me and the struggle to find the correct sequence of words to express the ideas in my head. It was difficult. My friends would call and try to lure me into their fun activities (the beach, shopping, every exercise class imaginable). Even worse was when these friends would just go on their fun outings without trying to lure me away from work! I would feel sorry for myself and go to the kitchen to find something to eat. In my defense I really do think and write better while I'm chewing.

When I let it be known I intended to start interviewing firefighters my friends suddenly reappeared. Imagine that. There were subtle and not-so-subtle hints about the possibility of them accompanying me "to help". Perhaps I was petty but I decided this was a job I needed to do alone. I had information to gather, questions to ask, and facts to check. I also had a good 5 pounds of extra weight gained while I was writing and they were exercising. So sorry tan, thin, and toned friends you have to let me win occasionally.

Of course, I really did gather some important information about fires. If you live in an area under a fire threat this is some of the advice I received from firefighters.

STAY INFORMED
Keep a battery powered radio turned on for the latest emergency information

DON'T FEED THE FIRE
Remove anything close to the outside of your house which could fuel the fire
(example: bring in outside furniture)

Remove or open your curtains

Push any upholstered furniture away from windows and glass doors

Turn off the air conditioning

TAKE ACTIONS WHICH WILL HELP IN FIGHTING THE FIRE
If you have a ladder which reaches the roof you should put it in place

fill up a bathtub and some other containers with water

since smoke reduces visibility you should keep a light turned on in each room

close your doors and windows but don't lock them

EVACUATE BEFORE CONDITIONS BECOME DANGEROUS
secure pets for easy transport

disable electric garage doors so they can be opened manually

back your car into your driveway and keep the car keys on your body


I realize I probably have forgotten to include some vital piece of advice. All of you cute firefighters are encouraged to write me so we can arrange interviews. I have also decided to allow any of my friends willing to gain 5 pounds the chance to accompany me on the next round of interviews.

Additional evacuation information at www.wineandchocolateplan.com