FROM THE CHIEF'S CORNER: WHAT ARE RED FLAG WARNINGS?

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By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments and land management agencies about the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. This could be due to low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, or any combination thereof.

A Red Flag warning is issued when the above conditions are expected to be met within the next 24 hours. A fire weather watch is issued when the above conditions are expected to be met during the next 24 to 48 hours. Typically, these watches and warnings are issued at the same time the routine fire weather forecasts are issued, 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM Local Time.

In the next few days, weeks and months we’ll certainly be hearing more about ‘Red Flag’ Warnings and Alerts!

Homeowners and residents can take a proactive approach to dealing with Wildfires by practicing some simple guidelines.

• Roofs should be made of noncombustible material, use a “Class A” fire-resistive material

• Trees need to be trimmed away from the roof and 10 feet away from the chimney

• Plants should be low growing and less combustible

• Combustible materials should be stored away from the home

• Make sure the yard is well trimmed and free of debris

• Roof and gutters should be cleaned of leaves and pine needles

• Make sure there is a 100-foot non-combustible fire break surrounding your home of hazardous vegetation

• Make sure an adequate water supply is available to fight fire

• Be sure good access is provided for emergency vehicles

• Make sure your home can be well identified

• Clear all combustible materials from within 10 feet of driveway and access roads

• Plant vegetation should be kept away from windows and inside corners

• Water and maintain vegetation, remove dead materials

• Install double-pane tempered glass windows

• Install a spark arrestor

• Remove combustible furniture, stacked firewood, papers away from home and ensure propane and butane tanks are a minimum of 10 feet from structure

• Obtain additional Fire safety information from your local fire department

Before a wildfire strikes:

• Know where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.

• Become familiar with your community’s disaster-preparedness plans and create a family plan.

• Plan several escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place.

• Put together an emergency kit.

• Ensure you follow your local fire code and adhere to its brush compliance program

During a wildfire:

• Listen to your portable radio for reports and evacuation information.

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.

• Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.

• Confine pets to one room.

• Arrange temporary housing.

• When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Wear protective clothing.

• Take your emergency kit.

• Lock your home.

• Follow the evacuation route that your local officials have identified.

Below is a checklist of documents that are commonly lost in a fire. Under the type of document is the institution or agency to contact for a replacement.

Financial Records Contact:

Bank books

Your bank, as soon as possible

Credit cards

The issuing companies, as soon as possible

Income tax records

The Internal Revenue Service Center where you filed or notify your accountant

Stocks and bonds

Issuing company or your broker

Identification and Licenses:

Driver's license

Local office of the Dept. Motor Vehicles

Passports

Local passport office

Legal Documents:

Birth, death, marriage certificates

State bureau of records in the state of birth, death or marriage

Citizenship papers

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service

Divorce papers

Circuit court where decree was issued

Military discharge papers

Local office of the Veterans Administration

Social Security or Medicare cards

Local Social Security Office

Wills

Your lawyer

Property:

Auto registration title

Department of Motor Vehicles

Titles to deeds

Records department of city or county in which the property is located

Prepaid burial contracts

Issuing company

Other Papers:

Animal registration papers

Society of registry

Insurance policies

Your insurance agent

Medical records

Your doctor

Warranties

Issuing company


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