Full Notification

National Weather Services issues the first Red Flag Warning of the season has been issued for the North and East Bay. The areas of most concern will be the Napa hills in the North Bay as well as the East Bay hills and the interior valleys of Alameda and Contra Costa county.  Northeast, offshore winds will arrive tonight in the hills and spread over the region by Saturday morning. These winds will usher in a much drier airmass with gusty north winds continuing into Saturday morning. Rapid warming and drying Saturday afternoon will allow any new ignitions to spread rapidly.  A moderate humidity recovery on Saturday night will help briefly ease conditions but another warm, dry and breezy day on Sunday will keep fire weather concerns elevated. A final burst of winds Sunday night in the hills with the Red Flag currently set to expire at 6 am Monday morning.

Refer to attached NWS map for potential impact areas.

For current weather conditions, visit: www.weather.gov/bayarea
 
What to Do:
 
-No outdoor fires.
-Do not use equipment to mow or cut dry grass
-Be alert
-Pay attention to the weather especially if winds pick up. (https://www.weather.gov/bayarea)
 
-Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com)
 
Additional Important Tips:
 
1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams.
2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel.
3. Park your vehicle:
    a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR
b. On the street in the direction of departure.
4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket.
5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle.
6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle.
8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children.
9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time.
10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating.

For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information