Mill Valley's Red Flag Warning Prompts 3 Safety Alerts

From the City of Mill Valley:

October 22, 2019

Mill Valley's Red Flag Warning Prompts 3 Safety Alerts

1) Red Flag Warning

2) Miller Avenue Parking Restrictions

3) Public Safety Power Shutoff (update only - no shutoffs scheduled for our area at this time)

RED FLAG WARNING

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay from Wednesday (10/23) afternoon to Thursday (10/24).

Forecasters predict warm and dry weather will develop by midday Wednesday with strong north to northeast winds over the North Bay, spreading southward over the East Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains into Thursday. The winds will ease by Thursday afternoon but very low humidity will persist right through Friday.

Another even stronger wind event is forecast Saturday Night into Sunday across the Bay Area that may bring another round of fire weather headlines.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

What you can do:

Sign up for Public Safety Alerts

We ask Mill Valley community members to be extremely cautious during periods of high fire danger. It's important all residents and visitors take steps to prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire.

• Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day.
• Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
• Clear dead weeds and vegetation around your home.
• Remove leaves and needles from gutters.
• Trim tree branches 10 feet from the ground.
• If you are driving, never pull over in dry grass.
• Ensure trailer chains don't drag on the ground.
• If you smoke, make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson.Call the Police Department non-emergency line 24/7: 415-389-4100

Preventing Wildfires is a Family Affair: Please talk to your kids today about not playing with matches and fireworks! Our lives are literally at stake.Learn more

MILLER AVENUE PARKING RESTRICTIONS

City staff will post notices to indicate that curbside parking in both directions will be restricted on Miller Avenue from Millwood to Willow Street.

In August 2019, the City Council unanimously accepted the recommendation of Public Safety Officials to implement the restrictions on parking on days of extreme fire hazard, also known as Red Flag days. Parking is restricted on Miller Avenue on Red Flag Days because Miller Avenue is designated as a primary evacuation route. The aim of the restrictions is to aid in both evacuation and firefighting efforts in the event of an emergency. Learn more about evacuation preparedness.

Mill Valley staff will use temporary barricades to indicate the parking restrictions until permanent signs are in place and permits issued.

Additional Information:Miller Ave Parking Restrictions Staff Report – August 5, 2019

Questions may be directed to the Mill Valley Police Department at 415-389-4100 or email pd-info@cityofmillvalley.org.

PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF

Current Status: There are currently no power shutoffs scheduled for our area.

However, PG&E has indicated that our Zone is in a "PSPS Watch" category - which means PG&E's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated for a reasonable chance of executing PSPS in a our Zone due to a combination of adverse weather and dry fuel conditions. A PSPS watch is typically issued within 72 hours before the anticipated start of an event.

Check out our PSPS page for updates and things you can do now to prepare.

This press release was produced by the City of Mill Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.