Severe Weather Safety Tips

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Severe Weather Safety Tips: Warning vs. Watch Provided by: Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) Weather Type Watch Warning Severe Severe thunderstorms are Severe weather has been reported or Thunderstorm possible in and close to the indicated by radar. Warnings indicate watch area. impending danger to life and property. Tornado Tornadoes are possible in Tornado(s) have been sighted or is and close to the watch area. indicated by radar. Seek shelter immediately. Fire Weather Conditions are favorable for red Red Flag Warning: fire danger very flag conditions in and close to high or extreme, Sustained winds ≥ the watch area in the next 12 to 15 mph and relative humidity ≤ 25%, 48 hours. scattered dry thunderstorms, increased storm activity after a prolonged dry period, abrupt change in wind speed and direction that may affect the area. Flood Potential exists for a river to River is expected to exceed flood stage exceed flood stage in the next in the next 48 hours. Loss of life or 12 to 72 hours. property is possible. Flash Flood The potential exists for heavy Flash flood conditions are occurring or rains to create flash flooding in are expected to occur soon. Loss of life the next 6 to 24 hours. or property is possible. Winter Storm Conditions are favorable for Any combination of the following: hazardous winter weather 4” of snow or more in 12 hours including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, or significant or 6” of snow or accumulations of freezing rain or more in 24 sleet in the next 12 to 48 hours. hours. Accumulation of It may also include wind chills if ¼” or more of they are expected with the ice. above listed events. Created Mar. 2012 255, 121, 0 .

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TD-1464S Publication Date: 7/20/2021 Rev: 3
Based on Standard: TD-1464S Publication Date: 7/20/2021 Rev: 3 Wildfire Prevention Contract Requirements SUMMARY PG&E’s standard establishes precautions for PG&E employees, PG&E suppliers, contractors, and third-party employees to follow when traveling to, performing work, or operating outdoors on any forest, brush, or grass-covered land. The information in this document is based on PG&E’s TD 1464s standard and local, state, and federal fire regulations and permits. However, if a local or state fire regulation or permit contains provisions more stringent than those in this document, the more stringent provisions must be followed. TARGET AUDIENCE This "based on TD-1464s" document targets all contractors performing work on behalf of PG&E and working on or near facilities located in any forest, brush, or grass-covered lands, using equipment, tools, and/or vehicles whose use could result in the ignition of a fire. This includes those areas that may seem urban but have vegetation that can aid in the spread of an ignition. TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page 1 Safety ................................................................................................................ 1 2 General Requirements ...................................................................................... 2 3 Fire Index Process ............................................................................................ 7 4 Mitigations ......................................................................................................... 8 5 Quality Reviews ................................................................................................ 9 REQUIREMENTS 1 Safety 1.1 Performing utility work on any forest, brush, or grass-covered lands presents a danger of fire, in addition to the hazards inherent to utility work. 1.2 Following the directives in this standard are essential to mitigating fire danger and protecting the environment, the utility system, personnel, and the public. PG&E Internal ©2021 Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
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Hazard Criteria
NWS San Diego All-Hazard Reference Guide Warnings and Advisories are issued 12 to 48 hours in advance. Watches are issued when warning level conditions are forecast within the next 36 to 48 hours, or up to 72 hours with high confidence. High Winds/Blowing Dust Blowing High Wind Dust Storm Region Wind Advisory Dust Warning Warning Advisory Coastal and Sustained ≥ 30 mph Sustained ≥ 40 mph Visibility Visibility Valley areas or gust ≥ 35 mph gust ≥ 58 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile Mountains and Sustained ≥ 35 mph Sustained ≥ 45 mph Visibility Visibility Deserts or gust ≥ 40 mph or gust ≥ 58 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile < 7000 feet Mountains Sustained ≥ 40 mph Sustained ≥ 40 mph Visibility Visibility > 7000 feet or gust ≥ 55 mph or gust ≥ 75 mph ¼ to 1 mile <¼ mile Winter Weather Winter Winter Blizzard Wind Chill Wind Chill Region Weather Storm Warning Advisory Warning Advisory Warning 4-8” in Sustained winds Wind Chill 12” in 12 hours, Wind Chill Mountains 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures 18” in 24 hours, Temperatures > 7000 feet or 8-12” in visibility <¼ mile from High Impact < -20 ◦F 24 hours in blowing snow -10 to -20 ◦F 3-6” in Sustained winds Wind Chill Mountains 8” in 12 hours, Wind Chill 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures 3000 to 12” in 24 hours, Temperatures 4-8” in visibility <¼ mile from 7000 feet High Impact < -20 ◦F 24 hours in blowing snow -10 to -20 ◦F Other areas 1-4” in Sustained winds Wind Chill including 4” in 12 hours, Wind Chill 12 hours, > 35 mph and Temperatures High 6” in 24 hours, Temperatures 3-6” in visibility <¼ mile
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Future of Red Flag Warnings
FUTURE OF RED FLAG WARNINGS LARRY VAN BUSSUM NATIONAL FIRE WEATHER OPERATIONS COORDINATOR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE “RED FLAG WARNING” • Fire weather warnings issued since 1916 • Termed “Red Flag Warning/Red Flag Watch) in the 1950’s/1960’s • Ranger districts would literally raise a red flag on the flag pole when a warning was in effect to let people know, visually, that a watch or warning was in effect. • South Canyon fire (July, 1994) kills 14 firefighters • Page L4 of report indicates that there was confusion on whether a watch or warning was in effect and what those terms mean. Later investigation found that since the forecasts/watches/warnings are often read over the radio by dispatchers, static may result in confusion as to whether a “Red Flag” warning or “Red Flag” watch is in effect. To alleviate this, the name of the watch was changed to “Fire Weather Watch” so there would be no confusion over whether a watch or warning was in effect. • The RFW was NEVER meant to be used by the public. This product is produced and intended for firefighters and fire managers. Due to the public nature of NWS products, the public has access to the RFWs, but as of today, the NWS and the land management agencies have no “public” watch/warning product for wildland fires. • Term “Red Flag Warning” is ingrained in firefighters and fire managers as something to be alert about. Very little likelihood that the term will be dropped for another name, especially as the forecasts, watches and warnings are still read over the radio to firefighters in the field and the possibility of mishearing the watch/warning still exists.
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Smoke Outlook for 9/07 - 9/08 NE California Antelope Fire Issued At: 2021-09-07 08:14 PDT
Smoke Outlook for 9/07 - 9/08 NE California Antelope Fire Issued at: 2021-09-07 08:14 PDT Special Statement RED FLAG WARNING TODAY UNTIL 8PM FOR RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN THE SINGLE DIGITS AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS. Fire Yesterday during mid/late morning hours containment lines were breached along the eastern flank of the Antelope Fire. Today anticipate active fire behavior across the region. Fire personnel remain alert while continuing to work hard at keeping the main fire contained, contain yesterdays slop over, protect important values at risk, and remain safe during forecast Red Flag Warning. Antelope Fire is 71,512 acres and 83% contained. Smoke A forecast frontal passage over the area may continue to move out/cleanse weekend smoke then quickly bring in new plume smoke emissions from today's anticipated increased fire behavior. Expect improved air quality in McArthur, McCloud, Macdoel(?), Alturas, and Lakeview. Conditions may remain USG/Unhealthy with potential for brief clearing in Tennant, Tulelake, and Klamath Falls. Take advantage of periods when there is noticeable clear air to enjoy outdoor activities. For current air quality readings visit: fire.airnow.gov/. Daily AQI Forecast* for Sep 07, 2021 Health and Safety Consider actions to protect yourself. For more information go to the California Air Resource Board's page: Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke Excessive smoke exposure could weaken the immune system. Yesterday Mon Forecast* Tue Wed Station hourly 9/06 Comment for Today -- Tue, Sep 07 9/07 9/08 Klamath Unhealthy could see
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Dangerous Heat and Dusty Winds Prompt Weekend Health Warnings Across Central Valley Red Flag Warning Issued for Parts of Northe
Dangerous heat and dusty winds prompt weekend health warnings across Central Valley By Bethany Clough Fresno Bee, Modesto Bee and other papers, Saturday, June 27, 2020 This weekend could be dangerous to people’s health in the Fresno area as temperatures could hit 107 degrees and forecasts of blowing dust and air pollution are prompting caution from the local air district. A dry cold front with gusty winds is predicted to move through the Valley this weekend, resulting in unhealthy levels of particulate pollution, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. High winds are expected to hit the northern and western portions of the Valley on Saturday, subside overnight and then return Sunday. The district has issued a “health cautionary statement” beginning Saturday afternoon through Sunday for Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Merced, Madera and Stanislaus counties, and the valley portion of Kern County. All residents are recommended to remain indoors during the windy periods. Exposure to such particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections — possibly worsening the effects of COVID-19 infections, according to the district. Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion outside. People with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with exposure to such pollution. Temperatures also high The valley is also under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Saturday from Atwater to Bakersfield. Temperatures are expected to range from 102 to 107 degrees, according to The National Weather Service. The city of Fresno was expected to hit 105 degrees Saturday with Modesto reaching 102.
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Spearfish Fire Department Policies and Procedures
SPEARFISH FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Page 1 of 5 Volume: Operation Section: 20.00 Number: 20.09 Subject: Weather Watches, Warnings, Advisory’s and Spotter Activation Date Issued: 8 August 2019 Originator: Assistant Chief R. Mathis Rescinds: 28 March 2017 Approval: Assistant Chief R. Mathis I. Purpose This procedure provides guidance for safety and general procedures when responding to Weather Spotter activations. II. SCOPE This policy applies to all personnel. III. DEFINITIONS Winter Storm Watch A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur...it only means it is possible. Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of: 1) 5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period AND/OR 2) Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines AND/OR 3) a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind. Blizzard Warning A Blizzard Warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. 1) Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer AND 2) Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater. There is no temperature requirement that must be met to achieve blizzard conditions. Winter Storm Warning A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.
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Red Flag Warnings M.P
PHOENIX REGIONAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES RED FLAG WARNINGS M.P. 202.15C 04/20-N Page 1 of 2 PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to develop standard actions and considerations when a Red Flag Warning is issued. DEFINITIONS A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest level of weather-related fire warning. A Red Flag Warning will normally be issued for severe fire weather events less than 12 hours in the future. The area affected, onset time, and a statement describing the conditions will be included in the forecast. Thresholds for Red Flag Warnings vary based on vegetation type, topography and other factors, but in the Phoenix area they are generally Sustained winds >= 20 mph and relative humidity <=20%, scattered thunderstorms, increased thunderstorm activity after a prolonged dry period, abrupt change in wind speed and direction that may affect the area. POLICY When the Phoenix Fire Department Regional Dispatch Center (PFDRDC) receives notification of a Red Flag Warning they should notify all on-duty units via an MCT message. If a Red Flag Warning extends from one shift into the next shift, the MCT message should be repeated at 0800 immediately following shift change to notify the new on-duty crews. The message from PFDRDC to on-duty crews should include the standard Red Flag Warning details: • Affected Area: This may include counties, cities or fire weather zones • Wind: Speed and direction • Timing: The hours the Red Flag Warning will be in effect • Relative Humidity: Fine fuels found in the Phoenix area such as grass and bushes are particularly susceptible to fire when humidity is low • Other: Include any additional pertinent information provided by the National Weather Service An all-call on channel one will also be made to all stations that there is a Red Flag Warning in effect.
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Verification of Red Flag Warnings Across the Northwestern U.S. As
fire Article Veriﬁcation of Red Flag Warnings across the Northwestern U.S. as Forecasts of Large Fire Occurrence Joshua Clark 1,*, John T. Abatzoglou 2, Nicholas J. Nauslar 3 and Alistair M.S. Smith 4 1 Wildﬁre Division, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98502, USA 2 Management of Complex Systems, College of Engineering, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA; [email protected] 3 Predictive Services, National Interagency Fire Center, 3833 Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705, USA; [email protected] 4 Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 4 August 2020; Accepted: 29 September 2020; Published: 20 October 2020 Abstract: Red Flag Warnings (RFWs) issued by the National Weather Service in the United States (U.S.) are an important early warning system for fire potential based on forecasts of critical fire weather that promote increased fire activity, including the occurrence of large fires. However, verification of RFWs as they relate to fire activity is lacking, thereby limiting means to improve forecasts as well as increase value for end users. We evaluated the efficacy of RFWs as forecasts of large fire occurrence for the Northwestern U.S.—RFWs were shown to have widespread significant skill and yielded an overall 124% relative improvement in forecasting large fire occurrences than a reference forecast. We further demonstrate that the skill of RFWs is significantly higher for lightning-ignited large fires than for human-ignited fires and for forecasts issued during periods of high fuel dryness than those issued in the absence of high fuel dryness.
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Marylandstateplan2019.Pdf
Fire Weather Services Operation Plan for Maryland 2019 Table of Contents Description of Annual Operation Plan (section I) National Weather Service Fire Weather Policy and Philosophy (section II) National Weather Service Forecast areas (section III) The Fire Weather Planning Forecast (section IV) Spot Forecasts (section V) National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) (section VI) Fire Weather Watch/Red Flag Warning/Special Weather Statements (section VII) NOAA Weather Radio (Section VIII) On site Meteorological Support (Section IX) National Weather Service Forecast Offices and Contacts (Appendix A) Maryland Department of Natural Resources Contacts (Appendix B) Sample Products (Appendix C) Section I Annual Operating Plan This Operating Plan serves as the official document governing the interaction and relationships between the National Weather Service, and the federal, state and local natural resource and land management agencies in the state of Maryland. Explanation of relationship between the AOP and MOU. This Operating Plan is issued in lieu of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Weather Service, federal, state, and other agencies that rely on fire weather support. The plan will outline forecast operations and services available to users. This includes products and formats, dissemination and coordination, and the responsibilities of the partners. This Operating Plan will be the governing document for fire weather procedures and cooperation among the following agencies: NOAA National Weather Service MD Department of Natural Resources Section II NWS Fire Weather Policy & Philosophy The National Weather Service Forecast Offices (WFO’s Sterling, VA, Mount Holly, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wakefield, VA) will provide fire weather support in accordance with the National Weather Service Fire Weather Policy.
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Fire Weather Services Directive
Department of Commerce • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration • National Weather Service NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-401 JUNE 21, 2021 Operations and Services Products and Services to Support Fire, NWSPD 10-4 FIRE WEATHER SERVICES PRODUCT SPECIFICATION NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/. OPR: W/AFS21 (H. Hockenberry) Certified by: W/AFS21 (M. Hawkins) Type of Issuance: Routine SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This directive supersedes NWSI 10-401, “Fire Weather Services Product Specification,” dated December 29, 2017. The following revisions were made to this instruction: 1. Edited section 3.2.2 to include guidance on issuing language for exceptional or particularly dangerous Red Flag Warnings. 2. Edited sections 6.1and 6.4 to describe implementation of the seven day NFDRS forecasts. 3. Added a Section 12 to provide guidance for non-weather event messaging for fires. 4. Updated Section 10 for operational implementation of SPC Day 3-8 product content. Digitally signed by STERN.ANDREW. STERN.ANDREW.DAVID.138292 AVID.1382920348 0348 Date: 2021.06.07 14:37:41 -04'00' June 7, 2021 Andrew D. Stern Date Director Analyze, Forecast and Support Office NWSI 10-401 JUNE 21, 2021 Fire Weather Services Product Specification Table of Contents: Page 1. Introduction. 5 2. Digital Forecasts and Services 6 3. Fire Weather Watch/Red Flag Warning 6 3.1 Mission Connection. 6 3.2 Issuance Guidelines. 6 3.2.1 Creation Software 6 3.2.2 Issuance Criteria 6 3.2.2.1 Fire Weather Watch 7 3.2.2.2 Red Flag Warning. 7 3.2.3 Issuance Time.
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National Weather Service Warning Thresholds
NWS WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES FOR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND (Last Updated: December 4, 2015) The following are National Weather Service criteria for issuing Watches/Warnings/Advisories: Watches: 50% confidence of meeting Warning criteria (generally within 36-48+ hours). Advisories and Warnings: 80% confidence in the event occurrence (generally within 24-36 hours). TYPE OF ISSUANCE WHEN ISSUED FOR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY More than one predominant hazard • Winter weather event having more than one predominant hazard (ie., snow and ice, snow and sleet, or snow, ice & sleet) meeting or exceeding advisory criteria for at least one of the precipitation elements, but remaining below warning criteria. Snow, Ocean Effect Snow, and/or Sleet • 3 inches averaged over a forecast zone in 12 hours (except 4 inches in Berkshire/Litchfield Counties) Snow and Blowing Snow • Sustained or frequent gusts of 25 to 34 mph accompanied by falling and blowing snow occasionally reducing visibility to ≤ 1/4 mile for ≥ 3 hours ` Blowing Snow • Widespread or localized blowing snow reducing visibility to ≤ ¼ mile with winds < 35 mph Black Ice • A Special Weather Statement will usually be issued when sufficient moisture is expected to cause a thin layer of ice on road surfaces, typically on cloudless nights (“black ice”). At forecaster discretion a formal Winter Weather Advisory may be issued instead. FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY Any accretion of freezing rain or freezing drizzle on road surfaces WIND CHILL ADVISORY Wind chill index between -15°F and -24°F for at least 3 hours using only the sustained wind WINTER STORM WARNING More than one predominant hazard • Winter weather event having more than one predominant hazard {ie.
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Weather Watches & Warnings
WEATHER WATCHES & WARNINGS The National Weather Service uses specific terminology to relay the weather threat to the public. There are a variety of watches and warnings you need to understand in order to be prepared. Tornado Watch Tornado Warning Means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes Means that a tornado has been sighted or a to develop. It is normally issued for 4 to 6 hours and developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or includes many counties. If you are in or near the indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically tornado watch area, stay informed via NOAA issued for a small area for less than an hour. If a Weather Radio, commercial radio or television. Keep tornado warning is issued in your area ... take cover your eye on the sky, and be prepared to take cover immediately! at short notice, as tornadoes can occur with little or no warning. Severe Thunderstorm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Warning Means that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to produce wind gusts to 55mph or stronger, or hail to 3/4 inch or larger in the watch Means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected area. These watches are issued for 4 to 6 hours at a by radar or a trained spotter. Take cover if you are time and for a number of counties. Stay informed, near the severe thunderstorm. watch the sky, and take cover if a severe thunderstorm approaches you. Flash Flood Watch Flash Flood Warning This is issued when a heavy rain may develop and Flash flooding in the warning area has developed or is result in flash flooding in or near the watch area.
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