NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. July 2, 2019 – In an effort to raise awareness on Red Flag Warning days, Nevada County Fire Districts, the Office of Emergency Services and the Fire Safe Council will post physical red flags to alert the community in the event of a Red Flag Warning, in addition to social media and traditional media messaging.
“The red flags will be a visual reminder to residents to prepare themselves and their neighbors for the high risk of wildfire,” said Captain Pettitt, Nevada County Office of Emergency Services Manager. “They provide an opportunity to increase community preparedness and reduce the risk of ignition and spread of wildfire throughout Nevada County.”
Red Flag Warnings are declared by the National Weather Service to alert the public and agencies of ongoing or expected critical fire weather, which includes a combination of sustained wind, low humidity, high temperatures, significant fuel loads, and chance of lightning strikes.
Nevada County Consolidated Fire District’s Captain Menth said, “On Red Flag days, the chance for extreme fire conditions are greatly increased. Residents should treat Red Flag days like any extreme weather event by maintaining situational awareness and preparing.”
Take the following steps to prepare for a Red Flag event:
- Maintain situational awareness by monitoring the weather.
- Avoid high-fire risk open fires, target shooting, mowing, or using chainsaws and other equipment that could create a spark.
- Be ready to evacuate quickly should a fire occur.
- Have a Go Bag ready.
- Ensure your family knows the emergency plan and reunification area.
- Have a full tank of gas.
- Park your car facing the road.
- Make sure personal electronics like cell phones are charged.
- Have prescription medications and any medical devices on hand.
- Pack food and medications for pets.
- Maintain a fully stocked first aid kit.
- Have your important documents ready to go.
- Check in with your five emergency allies. Check in with friends, family and neighbors to make sure they know about the Red Flag warning and are preparing themselves.
- Be prepared should there be a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
- Have enough supplies, food, and water for 3-5 days without power.
- Items to consider include, batteries, medicines, coolers, ice, flashlights, portable phone chargers, and durable medical equipment.
- Know how to open your garage door, if the power is out.
Thank You to Our Partners!
A sincere thanks goes out to Nevada County Consolidated Fire District for spearheading this innovative Red Flag warning system and the following Nevada County agencies for participating in this coordinated effort: CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba- Placer Unit, Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, Grass Valley Fire Department, Higgins Fire District, Nevada City Fire Department, Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, North San Juan Fire District, Ophir Hill Fire District, Peardale Chicago Park Fire District, Penn Valley Fire Protection District, Rough & Ready Fire District, and Truckee Fire Protection District, Washington Volunteer Fire Department.