DATE: February 23, 2012 5:18:59 PM CST
AlertHouston | Red Flag Warning & Wind Advisory in effect for Friday
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory for Houston for Friday.
Even with the recent rain, this means that conditions are expected to be dry enough to pose significant danger for fires to spread.
What will the weather be like?
- Winds are expected to reach 20-30 miles per hour(mph) with the potential for 35mph gusts.
- Humidity is expected to remain low, with values around 5-25%.
- Any fires that may form will likely spread rapidly. Any outdoor burning is not recommended.
What can I do to be safe?
- When weather conditions that are prone to fire exist, residents are urged to refrain from outdoor burning such as campfires or outdoor barbecuing. Please remember that the City of Houston Fire Code prohibits all open-burning within the Houston city limits at all times.
- Residents are also urged to be careful when extinguishing smoking materials such as cigarettes, especially out of car windows, as this can very easily spark a fire when red flag conditions exist. Texas’ arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone.
- Remember that vehicles idling over tall grasses on medians and lawns can easily spark wildfires.
- Any construction activity which generates sparks should be restricted or carefully monitored.
How do I get more information?
- Houston residents can monitor weather conditions on the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast office web page at http://www.weather.gov/houston. Or like them on Facebook at facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.HoustonGalveston.gov.
- If you're on the go, visit HoustonOEM Mobile at m.houstonoem.net for up-to-date emergency information from the City of Houston
If you see a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Questions or comments about AlertHouston? E-mail Info@houstonoem.net
For more information about preparedness, visit www.houstonoem.net
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