So glad you were spared. The stories of the homes and people lost in wildfires in recent years are horrifying.

Glad also for your brother. I've been worried about how you were holding up under the heat dome. I rarely bother to complain about our 90+ degree summer days in NC when there's always some places suffering through floods, tornados, and other catastrophes.

But the point you make is an important one. Even those of us with minimal possessions need to be prepared for unforeseen evacuation orders. Not all disasters are natural--train derailments, pipeline leaks, and who-knows-what-else could force us into situations much like what you faced.