KNOW WHEN TO GO
DON’T WAIT – KNOW THE WARNINGS AND WHEN TO GO
Many types of disasters can cause you and your family to have to evacuate. Wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding are emergencies we need to be prepared for as Californians, but the thought of leaving your home in the event of a disaster can be scary. You may have a few days, hours, or minutes to leave your home, but knowing when to go and the difference between a Red Flag Warning, an evacuation order and an evacuation warning can be vital for you and your loved ones.
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce high fire danger with an increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning can include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above. Red Flag Warnings are forecast warnings issued by the United States National Weather Service to inform area firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid fire spread.
How to find out if your area has been issued with a Red Flag Warning:
Check out the National Weather Service
An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to your life or your property. Begin gathering important items for your family and pets. If you need additional time to evacuate or have livestock, you should pack up and leave when the warning is issued and not wait for an evacuation order.
An evacuation order is a lawful order that indicates there is an immediate threat to your life and property. You must leave immediately! It’s critical to follow all directions from law enforcement to ensure you and your family evacuate safely. (*from Cal OES info)
Don’t become trapped by fire or other disasters. Many times, an evacuation order quickly follows an evacuation warning. When a red flag or evacuation warning is given, start preparing your family and necessities.
Make sure you and your loved ones leave as soon as an evacuation is recommended. Don’t wait or hesitate - know when to go.
SIGN UP FOR CALIFORNIA’S EMERGENCY ALERTS SYSTEM:
Each County in California has an alert program that you can sign up for to receive alerts if an emergency situation were to arise in your county. The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WAEs) are used to send concise, text-like messages to WEA-capable mobile devices during emergency situations.
Visit calalerts.org to sign up for alerts in your county.
