WE SURVIVED THE FIRE!!!

As of 6 hours ago, it has been exactly one week since the Mandatory Evacuation Order for our subdivision of Fort McMurray.  We wanted to reassure all the non-facebookers that the Hinko family is safe in the other Fort (Saskatchewan) and will remain here for the duration thanx to the generous hospitality of the Polischuks.  Last Tuesday was a regular work/school day.  We woke up to clear skies with no smoke until lunchtime when things became suddenly very serious!  Leslie got a call from Kingston's EA that the school was under lockdown and all parents were being asked to pick up their children from the gymnasium.  Closing the office, my usual 7 minute commute home took 45 minutes.  Shortly after I arrived home the voluntary evacuation order became mandatory with only 30 minutes warning.  Finally we were packed up in two vehicles and ready to go.  We were directed northward which okay by me as Louis was stranded at Syncrude since the buses there had no where to go.  Leslie and Kingston had a room waiting for them at a camp out by Fort MacKay which was a real blessing.  Louis and I felt that we should go south since the hiway was still open and leave the spots for those who had no place to go.  It was a tough decision to separate the family but in retrospect still the best one.  The usual four and a half hour drive to the girls' place took 14 hours and would have been a tough trip for a short person.  Driving all night was tough for the oldies who just can't pull those all-niters anymore. Mikel and I figured out that we were in the car for a total of 18 hours.  Thankfully, Leslie was able to come the next morning.  I met her near Boyle with a jerry can of fuel.  Her trip was only 6 hours in duration.  Highway 63 was closed shortly after her escape for a couple of days. You have probably all seen images on the news and heard many dramatic stories.  We know many people who have lost their homes.  This disaster will take a long time to recover from. I wanted to share a few things that I have learned:

• Grampa always said "It costs just as much to drive with the gas tank on the top half!"  Such good advice - not having to worry about getting gas was a real blessing.
• Make sure you have cash on hand.  In Grassland, amazingly there was some gas still available, but neither the debit nor the credit machines worked - cash only
• If you don't have a 72 hour kit, DO IT NOW!  There are many resources on-line.  Here is what the federal government suggests.  Personalize yours to suit your family needs.

Basic Emergency Kit

You may have some of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized, easy to find and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don't wait for a disaster to happen.

Easy to carry
Think of ways that you can pack your emergency kit so that you and those on your emergency plan can easily take the items with you, if necessary

Water
Two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)

Food
That won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)

Manual can opener

Flashlight and batteries

Battery-powered or wind-up radio

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Special needs items
Prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities

Extra keys for your car and house

Cash
Include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones

Emergency plan
Include a copy of it and ensure it contains in-town and out-of-town contact information

Bottom of F

Additional Emergency Supplies

The basic emergency kit will help you get through the first 72 hours of an emergency. In addition to this kit, we recommend you also have the following additional emergency supplies. Then you will be well equipped for even the worst emergencies.

Two additional litres of water per person per day
For cooking and cleaning

Candles and matches or lighter
Place in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended

Change of clothing and footwear
For each household member

Sleeping bag or warm blanket
For each household member

Toiletries

Hand sanitizer

Toilet paper

Utensils

Garbage bags

Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets

Basic tools
Hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife

Small fuel-operated stove and fuel

Whistle
To attract attention

Duct tape

I cannot stress enough the importance of having one of these.  When you have a short period of time in an emergency, you often are not thinking clearly.  Think of the 5 P's - People, Pets,Prescriptions, Pictures, Personal items.  We appreciate your prayers on our behalf and continue to pray for those left behind fighting this humongous devastating fire.  Please also pray for rain.
Lots of Love,
Auntie Charlene