Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Not all storms are wet and windy. Extreme weather can cause wildfires, which is a deadly storm you do not what to risk playing with. Here in Riverside we are used to Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watches almost year round.

A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.

The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above. Here are a few safety tips from CA.gov.

Use Equipment Safely

• Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day. (Mow before 10 a.m. on a day when it’s not hot and windy).
• Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.

Campfire Safety

• Before starting a campfire, make sure you have a campfire permit and that they are permitted on the land you are visiting.
• Afterwards, ensure that your campfire is properly extinguished.

Defensible Space

• Residents should make sure they have 100 feet of defensible space around all structures.
• Clear dead weeds and vegetation.
• Remove leaves and needles from gutters.
• Trim branches 6 feet from the ground.

Vehicle

• Never pull over in dry grass.
• Ensure trailer chains don't drag on the ground.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
• Have proper tire pressure to avoid driving on wheel rim.
• Never let your brake pads wear too thin.

Other

• Make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
• Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it's windy or areas where not allowed.
• Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets.
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson. See something - say something

If your home or office is damaged by a wildfire don't panic call SERVPRO of East Riverside City, we will make it "Like it never even happened."