Public Safety

Red Flag Warning Extended Through Tuesday

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A red flag warning issued on Sunday for the mountains and inland valleys has been extended through 4 p.m. Tuesday in San Diego County. Have you taken steps to lessen the fire risk around your home?

The National Weather Service issued the warning due to strong gusty winds of up to 55 mph expected and dry weather. During critical fire weather, residents can take preventive steps to protect their home in the event of a wildfire.

Fire officials recommend residents maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space throughout the year. But just before or once winds get hot and dry, it is not recommended to begin clearing with a mower or weed cutter because they can accidentally spark a fire.

Here are some things residents can do instead:

  • Remove debris, including dried leaves, firewood stacks, or trash from around the home. This includes leaves on their roof and in gutters.
  • Trim away any tree branches that overhang on your home and cut low branches on trees.
  • Dried out bushes or plants should also be pruned or removed.
  • All tree or shrub clippings need to be cleaned up and disposed of in a bin.

Additionally, residents should be alert and that means staying informed.

One way to do that is by downloading the County’s SD Emergency app from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store. The app provides news updates, maps, shelter locations and includes disaster planning templates and interactive checklists. If a regional emergency, such as a wildfire, does occur, updates and other information will be posted at sdcountyemergency.com and sent out via the app.

Complete a family disaster plan template from the app or from ReadySanDiego.org to help your family plan for an emergency including where to meet if you are separated and cannot return home.

You can also stay in touch with official emergency information by registering for AlertSanDiego, the County’s cell phone notification service. By doing that, you will receive any emergency messages that apply to your neighborhood on your cell phone. To find more information about safeguarding your home from wildfires and general disaster preparation, visit ReadySanDiego.org.

More weather forecast information and updates are available at the National Weather Service.

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact