Wildfire Preparedness
In California, wildfires are a constant concern, making preparedness essential. Understanding terms from the National Weather Service (NWS), like “Red Flag Warning” and “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS), can help you stay ready for wildfire season.
A Red Flag Warning means that warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine, creating a heightened risk of fire danger. This alert prompts residents and agencies to stay on high alert to prevent fires or respond quickly if one ignites.
Key safety tips during Red Flag Warnings include:
Do not discard cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a widlfire.
Properly extinguish all outdoor fires by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
In especially severe situations, a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Red Flag Warning may be issued. This rare alert signifies an extreme wildfire risk due to conditions like high winds, very low humidity, drought, or a combination of these factors, which make fires likely to spread uncontrollably. A PDS warning signals a serious need for caution, urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid outdoor activities that might ignite fires, and stay prepared for rapid changes.
A Fire Weather Watch is a preliminary alert issued 12-72 hours in advance when critical fire weather conditions may develop. While less urgent than a Red Flag Warning, it encourages communities to stay prepared for potentially escalating fire risks.
Understanding and responding to these alerts can make a critical difference in staying safe. To learn more about the criteria for these alerts, visit https://www.weather.gov/bou/RFW_Definitions. To learn more about how you can stay prepared this wildfire season, visit our Emergency Preparedness Tips link in the navigation bar or by clicking the link here: https://alertsouthbay.com/emergency-preparedness-tips