Before the Dust Settles: Prepare for Wildfire Season

Back-to-back years of catastrophic fires that brought severe pollution remind us to add air respirators, air filters, and air purifiers to our list of products to keep in our emergency supply kits for the next uncontrolled wildfire. During last year’s Camp Fire, we moved mountains to keep respirator masks in stock. In total, we supplied over 26,000 masks. Procurement was a challenge because all Northern California distributors were depleted. A team of folks at Cole Hardware worked hard to source masks and get them shipped in. Rick Karp even drove 100 miles to stuff his car with boxes of masks that a trucking company wasn’t able to deliver prior to the critical weekend they were needed. And while our staff work tirelessly in the stores and behind the scenes to keep our shelves stocked, there may be times when we are sold out.

We keep an extra-large inventory of many items that are critical in times of need: heaters to fend off the cold; fans and air conditioners to cool us in the heat; batteries, flashlights, and lanterns to keep us out of the dark during power outages; and much more. While we hope not to see more of the catastrophic fires of the past two years, it’s best to be prepared. Stop in and pick up a few dust masks for your family and consider an air purifier. 

What will you do now to prepare for the ongoing challenges brought about by climate change? We’re living with a new reality, as we can see from the experiences of cities around the globe that have been hit by climate-related disasters. Chances are we will need to fend for ourselves while our first responders are handling the most urgent needs. The City of San Francisco suggests preparing to sustain yourself for at least 36 hours. Whether it’s a container for water storage, a portable loo, first-aid supplies, or just about anything else you might need for your own 36-hour disaster kit, we can help advise and supply you and your family.

The earthquakes will shake us, the smoke may be back, rains may cause flooding, and of course fire is always a danger. Be proactive. Be prepared.