Protect Your Home

— Move flammable stuff AWAY from the house

            — Umbrellas, cushions, doormats

— Clean up leaves & any dead plants that would make good kindling

— Do NOT decide to "catch up" on weed-whacking (sparks cause fires)

— The night before – if you have wooden decks, consider “soaking” them

— Prepare to lose power: dust off your batteries or get new batteries

Stay Home or Close to Home on Wednesday if You Can

— If you must leave...

            — Leave LOTS OF WATER out for your pets 

            — Make sure a neighbor has a key

            — Have your Go Bag with you: if there's a fire & the roads are closed, it could be DAYS before you get home

Pay Attention

— Keep an ear out for Alerts on your phone

— Check your email frequently

— If possible, monitor social media

Wind Alert - Live Wind Map

Alert California - Live Cam

WHAT IS A RED FLAG WARNING?

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME IF AN EVACUATION ORDER IS ISSUED

The term “Red Flag” refers to certain weather conditions that lead to a greater possibility for a brushfire that starts to spread rapidly. These conditions generally exist when the winds exceed 25 mph and the relative humidity is below 15%. Southern California averages 8 Red Flag days every year.

During weather conditions such as these, listen to news reports on the radio or TV to see if a Red Flag Warning or Alert has been issued. Here is a checklist to help you prepare for any possible evacuation.

Protective Measures

• Park your car heading out (windows closed) and keep your car keys handy
  
  
• Disconnect automatic garage door openers and use the manual function in case of power failure before you are able to exit
  
  
• Place your box of important documents, photos and keepsakes inside your car
  
  
• Keep pet carriers readily accessible
  
  
• Using a digital camera and the free Home Inventory Guide from the California Department of Insurance (available at www.insurance.ca.gov), catalogue your possessions and document their values.
  
  

  • Label Photographs with information about each item.

  • If a video recorder is used, commentary about each item should be included.

  • A copy of the inventory and supporting documentation, such as receipts and model numbers, should be stored in a safe place such as a safe-deposit box, work office, or a relative’s house.

  • These records should also include financial documents such as insurance policies and mortgage information.

When You Leave Your Home

• Keep drapes or other combustible window coverings OPEN or remove them completely

• Close all interior doors of the house (this slows the spread of the fire)

• Close all windows

• Keep interior lights ON. (As long as power remains, your home will be more visible to firefighters through the smoke or darkness)

• Move combustible furniture (sofas, beds, etc.) away from windows and towards the center of the room

Click here to download this checklist