Summer Resources

Situational Awareness 

Personal responsibility involves being situationally aware and tuning in to local weather reports. A Red Flag Warning is issued by The National Weather Service when conditions combine to produce the possibility of extreme fire behavior. 

During fire season, stay alert to this message and use extra caution on these days. Situational awareness is your first line of defense. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an evacuation order to go.

Download a weather app to receive Red Flag Warning notices on your phone or tablet. For a full list of email and text weather alert services subscribe to the National Weather Service.

Red Flag Warnings 

What is a Red Flag Warning? A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions combine to produce the possibility of extreme fire behavior.  Any combination of these conditions:

• Strong Winds (25+)
• High Temperatures Low Humidity Levels (20% and below) 
• Dry Fuels 
• Possibility of Dry Lightning Strikes

Always take the following precautions on a Red Flag Warning day:

• Be prepared for the possibility of a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event. Have food, lighting, water, and charged batteries that will last for several days.
• Prepare for quick evacuation.
• Park your vehicle towards the roadway and load your Go Bag.
• Know how to open your garage if power is unavailable.
• Be sure you have a full tank of gas.
• Keep pets nearby.
• Have a plan for children.
• Have a plan to transport large animals and livestock.
• Always check towing equipment and eliminate dragging hazards.
• Do not mow or trim dry grass.
• Do not use equipment outdoors that may create a spark.
• Never park on dry grass.
• Never burn on a Red Flag Warning day.

Extreme Heat 

How to prepare for extreme heat:

• Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
• Keep your home cool by doing the following:
  • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
  • Add insulation to keep the heat out.
  • Use attic fans to clear hot air.
  • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
  • Make sure your batteries are charged in case of a power outage.