Red Flag Day Warnings

What is a Red Flag Warning ?

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when humidity is very low, temperatures elevated, and strong winds are present.
This warning is intended to heighten public awareness about elevated conditions that may ignite a fire.

Red Flag = Strong Winds, Low Humidity, and Dry Vegetation.
Any spark can become a fast-moving wildfire.

Red Flag Day Checklist

Stay Informed

  • Confirm the warning timeframe (National Weather Service) and check your local fire and wind forecast.
  • Register for VC Alert (ready.venturacounty.gov/vc-alert) and keep phone Wireless Emergency Alerts turned on.
  • Know how evacuations are announced: the county sets zones at the time of an incident and posts them on VC Emergency (vcemergency.com). City of Ventura residents: look up your pre-set zone (1 of 15).
  • Keep phones charged; have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a car charger ready.
  • Bookmark vcemergency.com for incidents, evacuations, shelters, and road closures; Watch Duty and CAL FIRE also track fires.

Prepare your home and property

  • Bring in or move away from the house: patio furniture, cushions, doormats, and other flammable items.
  • Clear dry leaves, pine needles, and debris from roof, gutters, decks, and under/around the home.
  • Move firewood, propane tanks, and trash bins well away from structures.
  • Close all windows, doors, garage door, and vents; shut off gas if you must leave.
  • Remove or keep the first 5 feet around the house free of anything that can burn.
  • Keep a hose connected and within reach; know where your shut-offs are.

Avoid spark and ignition sources

  • No outdoor burning, fire pits, or BBQs; skip fireworks and open flames entirely.
  • Postpone mowing, weed trimming, grinding, welding, and other work that can create sparks.
  • Never park or idle vehicles on dry grass; check that tow chains are not dragging.
  • Properly dispose of cigarettes; do not toss them out of a car window.
  • Avoid using damaged electrical cords, and be cautious with generators and outdoor power equipment.

Get your household ready to go

  • Review your evacuation plan, two exit routes, and a meeting spot with everyone in the household.
  • Pack or stage your go-bag: medications, ID, documents, chargers, glasses, cash, water, N95 masks.
  • Keep important documents, photos, and irreplaceable items together where you can grab them.
  • Plan for pets and livestock: carriers, leashes, food, medications, and a place to take them.
  • Check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may need help evacuating.
  • Park your vehicle facing out, keep the gas tank at least half full, and keep keys handy.

During the warning period

  • Stay alert for smoke or fire; call 911 immediately if you see flames or smoke.
  • Keep shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a flashlight within reach overnight.
  • Avoid power outage surprises: charge devices and have flashlights available (no candles).
  • Be ready to leave early. If officials say go, GO.

If you must evacuate

  • Leave immediately when told to; do not wait to see the fire. Take your go-bag, pets, and medications.
  • Wear protective clothing and a mask, close windows and doors, and leave lights on for visibility.
  • Follow official routes and expect heavy traffic; drive with headlights on and watch for emergency vehicles.
  • Let family or friends know where you are going; go to a Temporary Evacuation Point if one is activated (listed on vcemergency.com), and check official channels before returning home.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE RED FLAG DAY CHECK LIST

Ventura County Local Resources

In an emergency Call 911.
VC Alert (free alerts by text, call, or email) ready.venturacounty.gov/vc-alert (also vcalert.org).
Alerts only reach locations in Ventura County.
VC Emergency (official incident site) vcemergency.com: incident updates, evacuations, shelters, road closures.
Joint Incident Information Line during emergencies: (805) 465-6650.
Ventura County Fire Department fire.venturacounty.gov: Ready, Set, Go! preparedness guide, fire station locations.
Non-emergency: (805) 389-9710.
Ready Ventura County readyventuracounty.org: emergency kit, family planning, and wildfire preparedness guides.
Emergency alert radio KVTA 1590 AM, KHAY 100.7 FM, KMLA 103.7 FM (Spanish).
Animals and livestock Ventura County Animal Services: (805) 388-4341.
Large/small animal evacuation sites are announced on vcemergency.com.
Near the LA County line? Also sign up for Alert LA County at lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la.
In an emergency, call 911. Phone numbers and websites were current when this was made; verify before relying on them.
This checklist is general guidance; always follow instructions from local fire and law enforcement officials.

Photo: Skip Robinson/Vertical Magazine

Ventura County Emergency Preparednesss Guide.

Red Flag Days means that both firefighters and residents have to be on heightened alert for the threat of wildfire at all times. Firefighters train hard and make countless preparations to face these important challenges, and residents should do the same. Successful preparation means doing all you can to make your home resistant to wildfires and prepare your family to leave safely and on short notice.

We call this process, “Ready, Set, Go!”, a program developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

CLICK HERE to read the Emergency Preparedness Guide.

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