Historically, October is when our region has experienced some of the worst wildfires, due to the arrival of Santa Ana winds accompanied by hot and dry conditions. The National Weather Service has declared a Red Flag Warning for San Diego County's mountains and valleys and Orange County's inland areas starting 5 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 24) through 5 p.m. Friday (Oct. 25).

If you are among those who have received alerts from SDG&E that your power may be shut off for safety due to elevated wildfire risk, please be prepared to activate your personal emergency plan and have emergency supplies on hand.

Emergency preparedness experts recommend having at least three days of supplies. Below are some tips to help you get ready.

Develop your preparedness plan

Your plan should be tailored to meet your specific situation, such as preparing for elderly and disabled family members as well as pets. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Create an emergency plan for your family, identifying two places for the family to meet.
   1. A place outside your home
   2. A spot away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home
2. Practice the plan with your family, including your children.
3. Review the emergency plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where members of your family regularly spend time away from home.
4. Plan safe routes away from your home and business to high, safe ground. Make sure your children are aware of the routes away from home.
5. Develop a plan for family pets and livestock; evacuation shelters may not allow animals.
6. Designate a friend outside the area who family members can call if separated.
7. Keep current important documents in a safe-deposit box.

Prepare a kit of emergency supplies

During an emergency, you will need supplies. Here are some of the basics you should have on hand.

1. Three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
2. First aid kit and essential medicines
3. Three-day supply of packaged, dried and canned goods
4. Pet Food and pet carrier
5. Manual can opener
6. Portable radio and flashlights with spare batteries in waterproof bags
7. An extra set of car keys, cash and credit cards
8. Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
9. Backup charging method for phones