Extreme Wind Events: Stay Safe and Prepared

San Bernardino County is always monitoring weather conditions and maintains a robust pool of resources to respond to extreme wind events. We are prepared, and we ask you to do your part to keep yourself and your family safe. Explore safety tips, preparation guides, and local resources to stay aware, vigilant, and ready. Check with your local cities for additional information.

Have you signed up for emergency alerts?

In an effort to quickly communicate information on impending dangers, the San Bernardino County Sheriff and Fire Departments send high-speed mass notifications via telephone and text messages. This system is known as the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS).

The county uses a database of landline telephone numbers, which is updated every six months, to send emergency messages to landline phones only. By signing up, residents can also receive emergency text messages to their cell phones, add voice over internet phone numbers (V.O.I.P.), and manage their own account using a valid email address.

Sign up: Log In – Smart911

Ready! Set! Go! – Fire

Fire incidents are dynamic and can change. Information on how to create a personal Wildfire Action Plan can be found at Ready! Set! Go! Fire – San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

two cones on a wind blown street.

Resources-

wind warning symbol

National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Wind Warning in effect from 4:00 am on Tuesday, January 7 through 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 8. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect from 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7 through 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 9 due to gusty winds and low humidity in the Inland Empire and San Bernardino County Mountains. Winds gusts may reach up to 60 mph at times.

These weather conditions can cause power outages, and conditions could lead to Southern California Edison (SCE) declaring a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) power outage to prevent fires. For details on potential outages and estimated restoration times, visit the SCE Outage Center. For your safety and the safety of our community, we strongly advise against any outdoor burning during this time.

Here on some safety tips in preparation for the high winds:

  • When high winds are expected, trim tree branches away from your home and power lines.
  • Secure outdoor objects like furniture and garbage cans that can blow away and cause damage.
  • High winds may cause power outages. Make sure you have sufficient water and non-perishable food. You should also charge your phone and medical devices.
  • Sign up for notification through your energy company so you can receive outage alerts.

TThank you for your cooperation and vigilance. Together, we can help protect our community from potential fire hazards.

If outside during high winds:

  • Take cover next to a building or under a shelter.
  • Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts. Keep an eye toward nearby balconies for loose objects that may fall.
  • In the event of a downed power line, call for help. Report downed lines to your local utility emergency center and to the police. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself.
  • Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away.

What to do if you are driving:

  • Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
  • Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
  • Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
  • Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.
  • If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, get onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.

High wind safety concerns:

  • High winds are commonly associated with severe thunderstorms and power outages due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) It is important to stay connected with your local authorities by signing up for San Bernardino County’s TENS system, or whichever alert and warning system is used by your local responders.
  • High winds can cause downed trees and power lines, flying debris and building collapses, which may lead to power outages, transportation disruptions, damage to buildings and vehicles, and injury or death.

Preparing for high winds:

  • In advance of any storm, be sure your property is secure. Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing materials and objects in yards, patios, roofs or balconies that could blow away. If a wind  warning is issued consider the following:
  • Tune in to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on the web, NOAA Weather Radio or local TV and radio stations.
  • Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that  could blow away and cause damage or injury.

  • An Evacuation Order is designated when public safety officials declare an area to be unsafe due to an immediate threat to life. An Evacuation Order deems an area closed to public access and all persons within the designated area are required to leave and seek alternative shelter. Residents will not be allowed to access these areas, even to retrieve items out of their home.
  • An Evacuation Warning is the designation of an area which is potentially in the path of danger. 
  • A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  

 -If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

 -Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.

 -Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

 -Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.