Be Ready Nevada County: Red Flag Warning Issued
Saturday, September 26 at 9pm - Monday, September 28 at 12pm
The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon. This means critical fire weather conditions are possible for Nevada County due to gusty winds and low humidity. Poor overnight humidity recovery is also expected during this time frame, with daytime humidity falling into the single digits and teens. These conditions may impact ongoing wildfires. Extreme caution should be taken to prevent any additional fires. Additionally, PG&E has warned of potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) for the area during this time, although a PSPS has only been announced for portions of Butte, Plumas and Yuba counties at this time.
Follow all recommendations for a Red Flag Warning and be prepared for the potential for PSPS. Remember, always have an emergency plan during fire season in case a fire starts near you and stay up to date on current conditions in your area. Stay situationally aware with trusted news sources and check in with your five emergency allies. Updates from PG&E, The National Weather Service and Office of Emergency Services can be found at the Ready Nevada County Dashboard at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/MobileDashboard from your cell phone or www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/Dashboard from your desktop.
For more information on PSPS preparedness including generator safety and food safety tips, please visit Ready Nevada County PSPS page.
Ready Nevada County Means Being Ready for Anything:
Could you evacuate at a moment’s notice? Are you prepared with plenty of medicine, food, water, masks, hand sanitizer and supplies in the event of a prolonged power shutoff? We are all responsible for our own preparedness. Plan ahead now to set yourself up for success in the future. If you need assistance connecting to resources to help formulate a plan, call 211 or 1-833-DIAL211.
Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch Definitions:
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger:
- A Fire Weather Watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur.
- A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours.
Red Flag Warning Precautions:
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 and have a plan to transport large animals.
Always check towing equipment and eliminate dragging hazards.
Do not use equipment outdoors that may create a spark.
Never burn.
Have enough medication, water and food to last at least one week.
Have lighting, a phone, radio, and batteries.
If you do not have access to backup power, consider keeping your food in a cooler.
Stay in touch with your 5 Emergency Allies.
Evacuation Language and Definitions:
Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life and a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access
Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
Shelter in Place: Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.
Ready Nevada County:
Wildfire safety starts with you. Here are tips to stay ready:
- Stay situationally aware. Use all available tools and communications, including common sense. Do not wait for an evacuation order if you feel unsafe.
- Find your five. Your five allies are people that will check on you and that you can communicate with in an emergency, so they know you are safe or if you need help.
- Sign-up for CodeRED Emergency Alerts. Find more information and sign-up at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/CodeRED.
- Have your Go Bag ready. Find a Go Bag checklist on page 20 of our Ready, Set, Go! Guide.
- Use the Ready Nevada County Dashboard to find evacuation maps, Twitter feeds and recent CodeRED Emergency Alerts:. visit www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/MobileDashboard from your cell phone or www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/Dashboard from your desktop.
- During a Red Flag Warning, local fire departments will place physical Red Flags outside their fire stations or nearby areas to increase public awareness of increased fire conditions. Follow all Red Flag warning recommendations found here: www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/RedFlagWarning.
- Know the sound of Hi-Lo Sirens to alert you of an Evacuation Order.
- If you are evacuating and have time, please attach the evacuation tag provided by OES and the Sheriff’s Office to a visible spot on your residence like a mailbox or green address sign. Learn more at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/EvacuationTags.
