With the planet’s changing climate and California’s increasingly dramatic weather patterns, dangerous fire events like the Camp Fire and, more recently, the Park Fire will become frequent. Staying prepared and informed has never been more critical, especially in a town like Chico with its yearly influx of new students to the area. 

A good place to start is familiarizing yourself with your designated evacuation zone, which can be found at buttecounty.net or by texting your zip code to 898211.

“Evacuation zones and alternate exit routes are critical,” said J. Marvin Pratt, director of health and safety. 

“We all tend to take the same path in an emergency,” Pratt said. Knowing the area and having multiple ways to escape hazards is key to keeping people moving steadily away from danger. 

Pratt emphasized the importance of keeping a ‘go-bag’ ready in case of evacuation. These bags should have a few days’ worth of clothes, any necessary medications and irreplaceable memories or photographs that are easy to carry. 

CAL FIRE recommends the following items to be included in a go bag: 

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
• A map with at least two evacuation routes
• Necessary prescriptions or medications
• A change of clothes and extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
• A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
• A flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Pet food and water

But fires aren’t the only hazard. Smoke can hang over vast areas for weeks or even months and hot, dry conditions increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. 

N95 masks are the most common way to protect yourself from smoky air, but it’s important to recognize that they don’t last forever and should be replaced every 3-4 days. 

“I recommend 2 or 3 in a go bag. Keep a box of them in your house if you can,” Pratt said. 

When it’s smoky out, avoid physical exertion and stay indoors, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. 

Fire season in the North State has changed drastically over the last few decades, traditionally lasting from May to Oct. The best thing students and residents can do at Chico is stay prepared and ready to react in the face of a potential fire. 

Caden Huntley can be reached at [email protected]