News from: Oakland Fire Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2018
Red Flag Warning and Heat Advisory in Effect
Oakland, CA — The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the City of Oakland that will last from starting at 11am Saturday, June 23rd until 8pm on Sunday, June 24th. The National Weather Service expects that there will be northerly winds from 15 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour, and that during the day the relative humidity will be from 10 to 20%.
In addition to the Oakland Fire Department’s normal operations, the firefighters will be conducting roving fire patrols in the Oakland Hills.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Heat Advisory from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, June 23rd.
A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The National Weather Service advises that people take the following precautions: drink plenty of fluids; stay in an air-conditioned room; stay out of the sun; and check up on relatives and neighbors.
WHAT IS A RED FLAG WARNING?
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. Firefighters will raise red flags at fire stations to warn residents of extreme fire weather, as warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 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.
RED FLAG WARNING DO’S AND DON’TS
Here are a list of do’s and don’ts for Red Flag Warnings:
DO: Be alert and report any small fires immediately by calling 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide information on the fires exact location.
DO: Have a plan for gathering family members, pets and valuables in case an approaching wildfire requires evacuation.
DO: Always mow grass before 10 AM when grass has the most moisture.
DO: Place power tools and vehicles after on paved or dirt areas only.
DO: Use extra caution with charcoal and gas grills. Only use barbeques in a clear area, away from dry grass or brush. Make sure coals are cold before disposing of them.
DO: Obey park or trail closure signs and any other restrictions (such as no campfires, barbeques or smoking). As a result of the Red Flag Warning, the use of barbeques is prohibited in all City of Oakland Parks.
DO NOT: Discard cigarettes or other smoking materials on roadsides or dry grass.
DO NOT: Use fireworks. All fireworks, even those labeled “safe and sane” are illegal in the City of Oakland.
STAY UP TO DATE ON EMERGENCIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
The public is encouraged to subscribe to AC Alert to receive calls, emails and text messages. The system allows subscribers to provide up to five locations, such as a school, home, work and an elder dependent’s address. That way, subscribers will receive updates when an emergency alert impacts one of their self-identified locations.
AC Alert is a unified emergency notification system for Alameda County residents, businesses and visitors. An AC Alert subscription is free, and all residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to sign up. For more information about this system and to find out how to participate, please visit www.acalert.org.
LEARN HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WILDFIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY
Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE) is a free training program for the public. Individuals, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations in Oakland can join. CORE helps communities form disaster response teams. These teams will help care for the community if a major disaster happens. To learn more about CORE, please use this link:https://bit.ly/2K9e9a1.