Time to Thank a Texas Firefighter

According to the Texas Forest Service, in the past seven days, Texas firecrews have responded to 149 fires covering 17,334 acres. They estimate that nearly 2,000 homes have been destroyed since Labor Day weekend. San Antonio (and other) firefighters are running pillar to post, putting out grass fires and protecting homes. We all nervously scan the horizon on a daily basis, hoping not to find yet another smoke plume or smell burning grass on the wind.

So have you thanked a firefighter today?

San Antonio Express-News crime reporter Eva Ruth Moravec (@evaruth) frequently covers fires and has a great relationship with the department. I asked her what I could do to thank our local firefighters. She gave me the phone number of the Public Affairs Office; Public Information Officer Melissa Sparks offered the following suggestions:

• In San Antonio, any homeowner can request a smoke detector by calling 2-1-1. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) sends out a crew to explain the need for smoke detectors, installs it, shows how to operate it and demonstrates how to test the detector, all at no cost to the homeowner. Drop off smoke detectors to any station and let the crew know they’re a donation for the smoke detector installation program. Include a note to let them know how much you appreciate their service.


• Bexar County Rehab helps SAFD and other county Fire Departments by deploying air-conditioned buses (so crews can cool off), porta-potties, water and snacks for prolonged incidents. “They are an invaluable resource during these long incidents we find ourselves at these days,” said Melissa. Contact Bobby Briggs at 210-695-8598 or rvbriggs@satx.rr.com for their current needs.


• Burned Out Survivors assists victims of fires (much like the Red Cross, but BOS supports only those who have lost homes or possessions to fire). They provide clothing, furniture and monetary assistance for anyone who has suffered a fire loss.

So head out to Lowe’s, buy a few smoke detectors, and drop them off at your local station. Call Bobby Sparks to see what Bexar County Rehab needs to support these hard-working guys and gals. Contact Burned Out Survivors and find out what they’re running low on. If you don’t live in San Antonio, call your local fire department’s Public Affairs office to find out what they need.

Too often, these brave men and women go about their business without knowing how much we appreciate their efforts. It’s time to change that.

Please pass this along to your family and friends. I’ve never had a message “go viral” before—I’d love it if this turned out to be the first!

Planning for Texas Wildfires: Be Prepared

Like many others, we prepped an “emergency kit” in the aftermath of 9/11, which has sat unused all these years. San Antonio experiences very few natural disasters…no tornadoes or earthquakes, and even hurricanes have spent their fury before they arrive here. But we can’t avoid wildfires any more than anyone else in this worst-ever drought. This afternoon, a wildfire in Camp Bullis (15 miles away, pictured) forced evacuations in Fair Oaks Ranch. We could see the smoke for miles and occasionally caught a whiff of burning grass.

The recently opened Hardberger Park abuts our neighborhood on two sides. If some moron tosses a cigarette butt while walking along the hiking trails, the police will start ringing doorbells in our neighborhood first.

Bruce asked last night (as we watched the Bastrop photos in horror), “What would we take if they told us, ‘You have one hour to get out’?” Given my terror of fire, I want…no, need… to plan this out before that moment comes, because I’ll be a basketcase if it happens.

We made a “primary” list (“you have an hour to pack up”) and a secondary one (“you better start getting ready”). Due to privacy concerns, I won’t post the lists but the Texas AgriLife Extension Service has a comprehensive list for a “grab and go” box.

Some other suggestions:

• Make your own personal list ahead of time. If the doorbell rings, you don’t want to flail about figuring out what to take and what to leave.
  
  
  
• If you have pets, make sure to grab their food and medications. You’ll also need a crate if you plan to stay in a hotel.
  
  
  
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full so you don’t waste time at the filling station.
  
  
  
• Figure out where you’ll go ahead of time. Keep in mind that nearby hotels a) may not be far enough away and b) will fill more quickly.
  
  
  
• Clear the outside of your home of combustible materials. If you have plywood, firewood, dead plants, or other flammables, throw them out.
  
  
  

The FEMA website also provides some excellent suggestions.

We’re all naturally inclined to think, “It can’t happen to me.” But with friends in the just-evacuated (and now safe) Fair Oaks Ranch and another friend with a fire-damaged home in Austin, I know that attitude is foolish. I plan to be prepared.