Full Notification

Prepare for high winds, fire danger, and power outages

Berkeley residents should prepare for high winds and potential power outages starting Sunday at 4pm by reviewing evacuation plans, securing outdoor furniture, charging devices and backup batteries, and checking or restocking home disaster kits.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory for the City of Berkeley  starting at 4pm Sunday, October 25. Current forecasts show high winds beginning at 4pm and increasing into the evening, with gusts up to 60mph overnight.  This is in addition to a NWS Red Flag Warning for high fire danger in the East Bay Hills, which went into effect at 11am on Sunday, October 25.

Forecasted wind and humidity levels exceed Berkeley’s threshold for “extreme” fire danger - an internal trigger the City of Berkeley has set to determine when additional preparedness steps are needed beyond those we take during every Red Flag Warning. We have activated our Emergency Operations Center, increased police patrols in the hills, positioned additional fire staff and engines, and deployed a Forestry Task Force to address fallen branches and clear roadways.

Residents need to prepare as well. Berkeley residents who live in Fire Zones 2 and 3 should consider relocating out of those areas during this high wind event. Use this map to look up whether you are in Fire Zones 2 and 3. These zones are predetermined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the City of Berkeley to be hazardous fire areas. All Berkeley residents should be prepared to evacuate immediately if an evacuation is ordered. Use this map to find your evacuation zone number. Write it down. If an evacuation is ordered for your zone, we will send an AC Alert notification.  

Prepare your household for high winds
With forecasted sustained winds up to 35mph and gusts up to 60mph, take the following steps to prepare:

• Consider leaving the Berkeley hills before 4pm: If you live in Fire Zone 2 or 3, think about relocating to a lower elevation until dangerous weather subsides. - especially if you would have trouble getting out quickly on foot during an evacuation. Leaving the area during periods of heightened threat is the best way to stay in control and minimize your risk. Stay with friends, family, or at a hotel until dangerous weather subsides. We have partnered with Visit Berkeley to secure relief discounts for Berkeley residents at several local hotels during Red Flag Warnings.
• Be ready to evacuate: Know your evacuation zone number, have go-bags ready and placed by the door, and review evacuation plans with your household. Park off the street to leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles and back into your driveway or garage to make exiting quickly easier. Find more information on how to prepare at cityofberkeley.info/wildfire.
• Secure outdoor furniture: Bring patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, and other items that might blow away during high winds indoors, or find another way to secure them.
• Report fallen trees: If you see fallen trees or branches blocking roads, please call 3-1-1 or (510) 981-2489 to report. Our Forestry Task Force is positioned to respond during this wind event.

All residents should prepare for power outages
PG&E has announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) including parts of the Berkeley hills starting as early as 4pm. Use the PG&E outage map to see if you are impacted by this planned outage.

All residents - even those not in a planned PSPS area - should prepare for unplanned power outages. Strong winds may damage power lines, and crews will not be able to begin repair work until after the wind event is over.

• Get outage alerts: Sign up with PG&E to get phone, text, or email alerts about power outages.
• Fully charge essential devices and backup power sources. Reduce screen brightness and turn off unused apps to maximize battery life.
• Check and refresh your home emergency kit: You should have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Do not use candles for light.
• Write down important numbers: Make a paper list of emergency, family, and work contacts.
• Fill up your gas tank and get cash: ATMs and most pumps will not work when the power is off.

PG&E is setting up a community resource center in Berkeley for residents who need to charge devices or access wifi during outages:

Clark Kerr Campus, South Parking Lot (1 Tanglewood Road)

• Sunday, October 25: 3pm-10pm
• Monday, October 26: 8am-10pm

Please stay alert and be prepared to evacuate if needed. The strongest winds - and greatest danger - will be overnight. Leave your phone on, turn the volume up, and keep it nearby. Place go-bags and shoes by the door and review evacuation plans with your family before bed.

If you feel threatened, leave immediately - do not wait for an evacuation order. Consider evacuating on your own if you see visible fire nearby or strong winds carrying smoke or embers through your neighborhood.

Links
Wildfire evacuation webpage
Wildfire evacuation checklist: PDF | MS Word (large print and screen reader accessible)
Map of Fire Zones 2 and 3 (Berkeley Hills Fire Hazard Area): web | PDF
Berkeley Evacuation Zones map: web | PDF
Public Safety Power Shutoff preparedness (City of Berkeley)
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PG&E)