Thanks to the Napa Valley Register for showcasing our efforts to increase wildfire preparedness in St. Helena:

Members of the nonprofit Creative Crisis Leadership offered an evacuation-themed board game, complete with a fun spinning wheel. The game invites players to ponder questions they would face in a real disaster: How will you get out? How can you help yourself and your neighbors? Do you have medications and a dedicated “go-bag” for your pets? What if cell service is wiped out? What will you find when you return home? What if you don’t have running water?

By the time the police drive past your house blaring the dreaded hi-lo siren, it’ll be too late to gather vital documents like wills, birth certificates and property deeds.

One goal of the game is to inspire people to go home and practice evacuating so they’ll know how long it will take. If they’re told they have 10 minutes, will that be enough time?

Creative Crisis Leadership recommended keeping a full gas tank, setting aside fresh water, having cash at hand in case businesses can’t accept cards, memorizing your evacuation zone, and signing up to receive emergency alerts from the city and county (sign up for Alert Napa County at ready napa county.org).

Duarte, Jesse. “Getting ready for a fire — and staying ready.” Napa Valley Register, Oct 11, 2023, p. 1.