This is a good point - I'm reminded of a long, rainy walk through London one saturday, from Islington through Camden out to Victoria Park then back to my hotel south of the House of Parliament, miles and miles, don't ask me why I didn't tube the whole thing, it was great fun walking all day, but tiring - but not painful, because I packed two pair of bridgedale hiking socks that trip, and changed socks somewhere around Cheapside. My walking dress shoes, soaked, my feet though arrived back at the hotel wet but warm, without blisters. If I had done this with dress socks I would have surely crapped out after 5 miles and called a taxi, and arrived home with blisters.

I count myself lucky that I can wear running shoes or trail shoes (plus whatever socks I want) every day, I only have to wear my dressports when I am on the road and need to be a bit more presentable.

I'm fairly certain northern Cali is not prepared for fires like southern Cali is. I have lived in northern Cali for about 30 years total. Anyway, I think my original assertion is true. The government stepped in heavily and greatly helped many people who were displaced in the big fires from a few years ago. However, I don't think the point of this site is to say, "Cool, I don't have to worry because others and the government will help me out."

Good counsel. I have a house key, Doug Ritter's e-Pico light and a Fox-40 whistle on a neck chain that I wear every time I take my dog for a walk. If it's not on my neck it's in whatever purse or bag I take with me out of the house.

Hardly notice it and I've got two essentials instantly accessible.