Wildfires can grow rapidly and can be devastating to communities in and around them. Here, in Riverside County, wildfire preparedness is a year-around effort. In addition to knowing how to prepare and protect your home, it's also important to recognize when wildfires are most likely. Hot days, Santa Ana winds, low humidity are all factors that contribute to dangerous fire activity. Any of these conditions can lead small fires into becoming large, destructive and deadly.
Wildfire Weather
A Red Flag Fire Weather Warning is issued when critical weather conditions increase the risk of wildfire. This includes low humidity, strong winds, dry vegetation, and high temperatures, creating conditions where fires can start easily and spread rapidly.
For more information about Red Flag Warnings, visit the National Weather Service website.
How to Prepare Before a Wildfire
Create a defensible space: clear dry vegetation, leaves, and flammable materials within 30 feet of your home and prune trees and shrubs to prevent fire spread.
Create an emergency kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents.
Plan ahead for evacuations: know what you plan to take, and ensure your vehicle's fuel tank is at least half full or half charged if you have an Electronic Vehicle. Determine if your home, business, schools, or necessary travel routes are in at-risk areas.
Sign up for emergency alerts.
To sign up for Emergency Alerts visit: Alert RivCo to register.
For information about CALFIRE's wildfire reduction programs, visit: https://readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/
What to Do During a Wildfire
Follow all orders by public safety officials.
Monitor emergency broadcasts, weather updates, and local alerts.
Avoid the area until declared safe.
Avoid outdoor burning or activities that could spark a fire.
What to Do When Driving in High-Wind Conditions
Slow down when visibility is reduced.
Watch for objects blowing across the roadways and into your path.
Avoid downed power lines.
Be cautious of strong winds that can move your vehicle.
Pull off the road if conditions become unsafe.
Personal preparedness
To learn more on how to make a kit visit: https://rivcoready.org/disaster-preparedness/make-kit
If Your Power is Out
To learn about what you can do in a Power Outage, visit: https://rivcoready.org/disaster-preparedness/have-plan/power-outages .