The nation always needs truckers. You deliver essential goods like food and medicine across the nation.Without your hard work and determination, the economy could collapse. However, in certain times of emergency, we need you more than ever.
When the two major hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit the country with full force we desperately needed truckers to deliver relief items to those in need. We also needed truckers to haul debris away. Now with the wildfires ravaging southern California truckers are needed again.
California Wildfire Relief
Over 350 firefighters have been hard at work attempting to contain a wildfire raging across southern California. As of Wednesday night, the fire was about 5% contained and has ravaged over 60,000 acres in Ventura County and over 150 acres in Bel Air so far. The smoke from the fire can actually be seen from space.
Los Angeles is under threat due to this fire and thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes so far. With the Santa Ana wind gusts between 70 to 80 mph spreading the fire there is no telling how far the fire will spread, even though firefighters are desperately trying to make progress towards controlling it.
Governor Jerry Brown has issued a state of emergency for Ventura County, which has suspended hours of service regulations for certain drivers. Those who aid in the relief effort by removing debris caused by the fire and those helping with the recovery effort will be able to operate under suspended hours of service.
Although, please note that if you’re helping with the recovery effort that there may be a few challenges to face. Evacuations are causing areas to fill with traffic that you will have to navigate through as people have to leave their homes.
Along with evacuations, there are a number of road closures making trucking routes extremely difficult. Parts of California Highway 150, California Highway 33, Freeway 405, and more are closed. Truckers trying to deliver their loads on time during the strict holiday season have been quite frustrated.
Be sure to have a map of the area available if you need to reroute and have your radio on to listen for evacuation notices. You will also want a backup, hand crank radio in the event of an emergency.
Other emergency items that will be good to have include extra water for yourself and to give out to those in need, along with nonperishable snacks. Take extra clothes, an extra phone battery, and safety tools.
Know that once you deliver a load to a relief area or go somewhere to pick up debris there might be a lot of waiting time involved. People may not know where they need to send you next. Also, don’t push your limits. Be safe and do not head into danger. You do not want to lose your rig or life in this fire.
Thank You For Helping
ExpressTruckTax would like to take a moment to thank you for all of your hard work. You make Christmas possible and take the time to deliver tons of important supplies all across the nation. You even step up to provide relief during times of emergency.
Please share your thoughts about the wildfire relief efforts in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax for more trucking blogs.