1 in 303!!!

That really makes you stop and think. Thanks for the post.

Wow, wonder how true that figure is. I pray everone stays safe. You mentioned your family is close to it. My thoughts are with you and yours.

Wow. My heart goes out to them... I don't think there's anything other than family and pets that I couldn't live without... but I wouldn't want to HAVE to live without my "stuff" either.

Living here we're always fully aware that each hurricane season could be the one that destroys our home. I don't have any money... the only help I can offer is prayer.

Well said. Thank you for posting this.

thanks for this article

Someone could start a fund to help people rebuild their lives again and or see if there is a fund out there they could contribute to. Become a volunteer firefighter or see what you can do to help a local fire station help people homeless due to fires.

Donate food, clothing and other basic necessities to food/clothing banks that help people.

This is an amazing and horrifying fire that is going on there. I pray for all the people there.

There are many disasters in life. I am so sorry about this. Many of us have everyday complications that we are truly struggling with all of the time. We still give what we can to local firestations, ambulance services, disabled vets, etc. We don't ask for any help. We struggle. I certainly hope that people that can afford will help. It is sad to hear of losses and we can't help. I hope it works out for those who have had these losses.

I dont have a movie night... I live on a limited income so I cant donate sorry

If my office caught fire, there is only one thing I would want to save, and that is a painted I did that hangs in my office. I have a few other very sentimental things here, but the painting is probably the only thing worth risking my life for--and even then...Now at home, that would be another story--my dog would be the first priority though.

I think there will be a lot of help pouring into the region, if there isn't already. People work hard to try to take care of each other that way.


What's happening in SoCal is terrifying. I have relatives in San Diego that no one had been able to reach. Finally I talked to the other cousin who is in the Bay area--her family are all fine.

I have been watching the fire maps, it's terrifying.

This is terrible what 's going on . I pray that the people get help.

Dan this was a very eye opening article here and I too
have cousins in California, have been praying for them
and all the people who have lost or stand to lose their
homes and all they possess. This is the help that I can
offer them, my prayers for their safety. May God be with
them all and keep them safe from harm.

So sad that so many people have lost their homes! Thanks for posting this!

this is a very thought provoking article. Thank you for your wisdom.

This is a horrible situation in Socal.

Dan, bless your big, warm heart. I do feel for the people in SoCal's blazing acreage, but there are some things bothering me about the situation, too. Please don't think I'm heartless, but....

Is the media catastrophizing just a tad? I appreciate their death-defying feats in covering the disaster, but honestly: Is it necessary for HOUSTON television stations to send staff reporters all the way to San Diego to cover the fires in person instead of relying on feeds from affiliates who already are there? "Look! A disaster that conceivably could affect someone living in Houston! Let's send several MORE bodies out there to get in the way!" Sheesh.

The national media aren't really helping, either. Yes, they do put "a personal face" on the disaster by interviewing those affected, and they have given the rest of us information we can use to help, but seriously: Relentless, 24-hour coverage using the same footage ad nauseum only leads to battle fatigue among viewers. There's a very real risk that eventually everyone will tune out any sort of legitimate reportage as just so much additional noise.

As for the victims themselves, my heart goes out to them. I cannot even begin to imagine losing everything I own in one fell swoop. Hopefully, people and animals will evacuate safely, and physical goods hopefully are insured. Those who could not afford insurance desperately need and probably deserve our help. Those who could afford it but chose not to invest in it hopefully have learned something about planning ahead. Let us all hope that some portion of the ridiculously high personal income taxes Californians pay is set aside to assist in emergencies like this one. (I know I can think of no better use for the non-resident income taxes I pay in California!)

Just as those of us along the Gulf Coast realize some day The Big Hurricane will catch up with us, people in Califonia know there is the possibility that one day they'll be caught in a massive fire, earthquake or mudslide. Whether they choose to admit that to themselves is another matter, just as it is here. The people I know in California all recognize the specter of disaster that looms over them constantly, and they dread the day it may become terrifyingly real -- but they don't deny the possibility, and they plan ahead for unpleasant contingencies. When ones chooses to live in a known danger zone, one does so understanding the risks.

One particular interview on CNN last night continues to haunt me: A young-ish woman surrounded by her four young children told the reporter she had received a telephone call the previous night alerting her that she needed to be prepared to evacuate immediately upon receiving a follow-up call. The follow-up call came at 6 a.m. the next morning, and the young woman said all she was able to scramble around and gather was her four children, some blankets and a few clothes. What I'm wondering is what she did in the hours between the first and second calls. I know I should feel bad for her, but I'm having a little trouble drumming up tremendous sympathy. Of course, I don't know her complete story. Perhaps she was paralyzed with fear and indecision.

Please don't misunderstand me: I'm not saying we shouldn't help. OF COURSE we should help anyone who is unfortunate, for whatever reason. I guess after two years of Katrina/Rita aftermath (which to this day remains unresolved for hundreds of thousands of the poorest all along the Gulf Coast, not just in New Orleans), I am saddened and angry about the way media, government and profiteers shamelessly exploit these events for personal gain. We need to look beyond the sensational headlines and avoid knee-jerk reactions that are helpful to no one.

OK -- you may all set upon me now with pitchforks and burning brands. :-)

I think about fire all the time. I use to be a fireman.

Thanks for the link Dan....wild fires are BAD business!!

Terribly terribly sad and I have a relative that lives in Sandiego area. I'm trying to reach him by phone and e-mail. I hope he is okay. He lives a block away from the ocean.

Nice food for thought Dan & Kathee ...

Oh, Dan - We on the west coast can't even buy two adult movie tix for $20 :)
For 20 I could have and evening movie and popcorn for me (without my hubby)

But all jokes aside - times are tough for us all. I've lived in states with hurricanes (FL & VA), tornados/blizzards (IN, IL, MO), and now earthquakes (WA) it's really hard across the US. That's why it bothers me to see so many hollywood starts jumping on the latest bandwagon for foreign relief. Not that we shouldn't send money abroad, it's just that there are so many people in trouble in the US???

Good food for thought Dan!! Really makes you think...

And thanks John for putting your life on the line as a former fireman :) My heart goes out to all the victims & their families wondering if they are safe

Wish I could help with more than prayers...but unfortunately I can't even remember the last time we could afford to go to the movies much less anyother night out. My thoughts and prayes are with everyone that is now going through this terrible tragedy.

nice work Dan

Ditto Lindy, I have been watching closely too, when you think 500,000 have lost their homes. Yeah it's awful

this is very nice of you.

Wow, those are some statistics, I am watching the news carefully as have some friends of mine very close to these fires, good article Dan,

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has many horrible little "tricks" in her huge bag of tricks... There will always be disasters in every corner of the globe... We who live in California realize (or SHOULD realize) that we live in a beautiful place that is prone to fires, floods, mudslides and earthquakes... Still... I'd take any of those in place of a hurricane or tornado... anytime...

Dan,
Think this is one of your best so far. Love how many people have seriously commented. I don't watch the news, I don't like the sensationalism. You have said right here what people need to know. 1 in 303. Lets just hope the life lose is 0.

Fire is a terrible thing. Five years ago we lost everything when our house burnt to the ground. Sad that so many people have to go through this.

I read an article here by someone complaining about the cost of the fires here in CA, and the requests for money. As a proud Californian, I will say I have noticed no one blaming, complaining, or asking for anything. The majority feel lucky to be alive, and safe with their families.
Dan is right, one million people have been evactuated. Many have lost everything, and many more have had extreme damage to their homes. Any help is great.
I am close to one fire, not dangerously close, but close enough to feel the effects. I also have family in two of the worst areas. My aunt lost her home and all of her possesions in the 1993 Laguna Beach Fire. Watching her recover from that really shows that people are more important and things are just things.
Again, any help is great, and need by many of these families.

The fires in California, like in Greece, are a disaster. Here in the burning land down under, our fire season is lurking just around the corner.

I pray for all the familes in Cal .and everywhere that are facing such

And pray the fire season is not tooo bad for Nicholas.

I'm saddened again to see yet another gray-sky-ash-and-cloud cover overhanging the southland in October! Every fire bug living should have their hair singed!

thoughts and prayers are with them

Thanks for the link! I guess it's time to step up!~

I don't know what to say when My moms house burnt she lost so many old memories that couldn't be replaced. I can only pray the fires will be contained soon

I am from there, I have family and friends there, and it is worse than I could imagine. We went through this in 2003. Irt was bad, but not nearly as bad as this. I will be doing what I can to help.

I felt so bad as I was watching the new this morning. Larry Kimmel, a long time news reporter in San Diego, lost his home of something like 23 years. I don't know him personally, but I remember watching him on the news all of the time.

The fire is very devastating. That state is in my thoughts and prayers.

thanks for sharing..

Where do you live Dan? I thought you lived in another state. Yes it is horrible. I do think Americans should start helping other Americans, not sending money overseas to people that just sit back and wait for us to give them a handout. Lets start taking care of our own right here.

Yeah, I'm not so sure about the whole "aid" thing. As a resident of Houston, we are still dealing with the "Katrina Victims". Of course our wonderful city has enjoyed the assimilation of such a diverse culture. Like a 300% increase in the murder rate, a 90 million dollar deficit to our state healthcare program, and my personal favorite- a ridiculous assistance program where the wonderful people of Texas are still paying for "housing vouchers", as it was extended by the Mayor Mr. Billy Bob White.

This is NOT to say that the people of Cali dont need help, and in a big way. BUT, it should be neighbors helping neighbors, not FEMA helping noone but themselves. I think the best thing ya'll could do right now, is help each other get back on your feet- and tell the federal and state governments to go to...well, Louisiana. California is a great state, but most importantly its a state of mind. Dont let that evil witch Nancy Pilosi try to make you all victims, and a welfare state. Do it for yourselves and be proud that you did it on your own. Teach the country a lesson in personal responsibility. And, by the way, I wouldn't expect much from the insurance companies. Having been through the Katrina aftermath, they always find a way to "not cover" you.

I can't imagine losing all my things like that. But, theyre just "things". the important thing is that you and your family (if you have one) or okay.

Thanks for the link.

thank you. very important

thanks Dan.

Dan, thanks for the link. I'm sure there are some who will need it.

Interestingly, I have been corresponding with an old friend, and Gather member, Peg D. who is close to the fires and have been warned to be ready to evacuate. The fires apparently have died down a bit today, and it would appear they may not have to go, but as you say, many already have. She says the smoke, though, is terrible, and ash is falling all over the place. Good article.

Good article.

I have pets. So they are what I would think of first, along with my purse.

I have know what it is to lose all in a fire, and pictures are what i miss the most. So grabbing pics and important papers, for me would be the first thing!
I have been trying to keep abreast, of the news with regards to the fires in Cali. My daughter and boyfriend, live in LA. When the news first broke, I tried calling her immediately, not knowing the demographics of the area, and being concerned. I was relieved to hear, she and her boyfriend live about 30 miles from where the fires are raging.
My heart so does go out to the people who have lost thier homes, and all that is in them. I know how heart wrenching it can be, to try to start anew. I pray, that soon the fires will be controlled, and not too many more people will, have to know the pains of, losing thier homes.
My hats off to you for trying to do something to help the people. Kudos!

great article Dan! Perspective is such a great tool! I have been following fires closely have any family and friends in southern cali

Dan, thank you for this, I work such strange hours that I rarely get the new. I am shocked. Thanks for the link.

Good way to make us visualise it. Thanks Dan.

Well I'm at work, so there is not much I could do to grab personal things if my house was on fire.

I have a hard time understanding why anyone would want to live in California. If its not on fire its mudslides or if its not that, its earthquakes.

A great article. It's a realy tragedy over there. I wonder if it's a coordinated arsen like the media is suggesting.

Wow! I never thought that it was so many! Thanks for opening our eyes.

The news of the fires is so disheartening. I can't imagine what that situation is like! Thanks for the link!

It's very scary what is going on!

Thanks for the link and the information.

its been raining in louisville the past few days.im thankful for the rain,but i wish it would rain out west.

so sad

thank you for posting this article and link Dan....it is important that we pay attention to what happens to others and your article helps remind us of this very well.

Man, Dan, you're a cheap date. A movie night to my husband and I means dinner, movie, drinks at the theater, and babysitter. Definitely more than $20.

But, I understand your point and I've already sent a check to my mom who is in San Diego and who is going to be making a more sizable donation to the Red Cross there, hoping it will go to local people. ALL my family is in LA, Orange, and San Diego counties ... so I have been a nervous wreck since this started.

This does wake you up, though. My siblings and I have been copying and swapping personal papers and such to keep for one another just in case. If something happens, I know I don't have to raid the filing cabinet and can instead grab more important things that I can't get back, such as scrapbooks and heirloom items.

I have a single shoe box filled with stuff that is very precious to me that I can grab very quickly if I had to leave my home. It has a couple of baby pictures of me, an address book, a list of all my credit cards, copies of our passports, drivers licenses, and social security cards. That box is updated every few months and hidden for only hubby and I to find. We also have a Rubbermaid flame resistant tote with a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, and bottled water that we can grab quickly too. Many years ago I was shown how easily it was to lose everything in a heartbeat and ever since then I've prioritised and figured out what was most important to me. Of course I'd grab my purse but if I couldn't get to to, at least I'd have some way of identifying myself with the copies in that box. That's my priority.

My folks also have copies of all our important papers.

Yes, family pets and one small picture.

Thanks for sharing.

Myths & Stereotypes

Thank you for this, Dan.

thanks for sharing

Nice Post, Please Feel Free To Take A Look At My Work As Well.

Yeah that sure was crazy, especially because they closed almost every freeway, so everyone had only one way to get out. My mom and I just stopped at a friend's since we couldn't get out of the city.

Here to spread some Christmas Cheer!!!!! Merry Christmas!

Thank you for posting this article. I am just stopping in to give you a 10 and to let you know I appreciate your posting here!

Take care! more

Wow is something to think about. I am at work so the only things I think I would worry about grabbing are my coat my purse and the few pics off my desk!

I am commenting on all of your articles and photos as you have asked us to do in the mass email sent out! Not all my comments will be personalized as there are 20 pages of articles to read through and even more than that on photos and I would rather spend the time reading and looking and enjoying then writing! Btw I saw you were listed as having 20 pages of articles but it will only let me see 19 of them so I will Comment on everything it lets me see!

so sad. I know people out there. Stuff is just stuff. I would want my family pictures most though.

Thanks For Your Thoughts Everyone.

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