FAQs
What is a Red Flag Day?
A Red Flag Day is when the weather conditions are such that the potential for a fast-moving brush fire is extremely high. The conditions are defined as wind speeds 25 mph or more and humidity 15% or less.
<<Back To Top
How often will there be Red Flag Days?
Over the past years, the maximum number of Red Flag days has been 12. The average of Red Flag days per year is 4 to 7.
<<Back To Top
How were the areas identified?
Fire Department Station Commanders were asked to survey their districts and identify the areas that would create a problem for citizens while evacuating and for fire companies entering the area during a fast moving brush fire. Station Commanders were directed to identify narrow roads, tight curves, and critical intersections that would create choke points. The areas identified were reviewed by the Fire and Transportation Departments to make sure the criteria for posting was accurate. Once identified, the Department of Transportation took the role of posting signs.
<<Back To Top
Why is there enforcement only during Red Flag Days?
The potential for a choke point being created is a daily concern in the identified areas, but during a situation of mass exodus during a brush fire event a choke point can trap, hinder, or delay lifesaving efforts from first responders.
<<Back To Top
How will I know if there is a Red Flag declaration?
The following methods were developed to notify the residents, guests, and visitors to the City of Los Angeles of a Red Flag condition and that the towing of vehicles will take place
- Residents are able to contact the 311 Operator, within the City of Los Angeles boundaries, for information regarding Red Flag event.
- Every local news outlet has agreed to broadcast during traffic, and weather segments that the City of Los Angeles is in a Red Flag situation
- Those news outlets include radio and television.
- Every fire station will fly a red flag during the declaration and local fire companies will drive the posted areas in an attempt to locate vehicle owners to have them move prior to being towed.
- The CERT and numerous citizen groups have volunteered to assist in this program in order to free up fire companies.
- This website will be available for the public to read about the program and see what areas of the city have been posted "No Parking on Red Flag Days." In addition, citizens can provide their contact information (phone number or E-mail) so as to receive a notification.
<<Back To Top
Why do we hear on the radio or television that there is a Red Flag condition, yet the 311 Operator indicates that the City of Los Angeles is not enforcing the Towing Policy?
Currently the media outlets have difficulty differentiating between the Southern California region being in a Red Flag condition and the City of Los Angeles. Residents are encouraged to call 311, visit http://www.lafd.org/redflag, or contact their local fire station to determine if there is a Red Flag declaration in the City of Los Angeles.
<<Back To Top
How can I sign-up to receive notifications?
Sign-up online by going to the my account page of this website and selecting the zip code of interest from the map, or by calling the City of Los Angeles 311 Operator during regular business hours.
<<Back To Top
How does the Red Flag Alert System work?
When fire weather conditions in the City of Los Angeles dictate that special parking restrictions be enacted, Fire Department staff will activate the Red Flag Alert System. The System will advise all registrants, City officials and staff, and interest groups of the declaration via all mediums on file (phone, text, and fax).
<<Back To Top
What types of messages will be sent by the Red Flag Alert System?
The authorized messages to be sent by the System are of declaration, extension, cancellation, and advisory. All messages will be in relation to the Red Flag days within the City of Los Angeles.
<<Back To Top
Is my contact information stored in the Red Flag Alert System's database?
The Red Flag Alert System is an Opt-In System and as such does not store any information other than that which was provided by the registrant. The System does not use any data from the database or that of any communication carrier such as: AT&T or Verizon.
<<Back To Top
What precautions are taken to protect personal contact information stored in the System?
Red Flag Alert System data is not shared, distributed, traded, leased, or loaned to any private or public party. Access to the information stored is only accessible to a limited number of members in the City of Los Angeles Fire Department. In addition, when data is transmitted to various distribution points it is encrypted. To minimize exposure of data stored in the System, the System was developed using a Tier model enclosed by the City's infrastructure which encompasses firewalls, security keys, and encryption models.
<<Back To Top
How does the Red Flag Alert System respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?
When the System encounters a busy signal, the system will attempt to deliver the message to the secondary point of contact provided by the registrant; if one is provided. In the case of a no-answer, the System will process the call the same as if it had encounter a busy signal. In both cases the attempt is recorded in logs for quarterly auditing purposes.
<<Back To Top
Will the Red Flag Alert System be used for emergencies?
The System is an Opt-In system; hence, it is considered incomplete for a resident outreach campaign. As an advisory system, the System only provides important versus critical information. During an established emergency the City, County, and other government entities will coordinate to disseminate information through all available communication channels.
<<Back To Top
If I have provided more than one phone number, what number will be called?
The System will call your primary number, if there is no answer the system will call your secondary number if one is provided. The System is program to leave a message if it encounters a recording device. Furthermore, the System will only make one attempt per device.
<<Back To Top
Will the Red Flag Alert System call numbers outside the City's area codes?
Yes. The area code does not impact whether or not a call is made. In addition, the program is aware that, from time to time, guests, visitors, and other entities can have an extended visit to the City and as such we owe the same courtesy to all registrants.
<<Back To Top
Will the Red Flag Alert System work if I screen my communication?
The System works with call screening devices but it is best practice to add the communication information to your screening device. Failure to add the Red Flag Alert System information may result in a failed delivery. In relation to E-mail's spam filters, the System cannot circumvent such technology. To receive an prompt and accurate message the System's E-mail address must be allowed to pass.
<<Back To Top
If I am listening to a message live, is there a way to repeat it?
The System is interactive. The registrant is given options how to process the call. At a given time during the call, the registrant is given an option to repeat the message or terminate the call.
<<Back To Top
Who is the legal entity for Red Flag Alert System?
The Los Angeles Fire Department designed and developed the System using Industry standard methodologies and principles. Various technology products were used in the development of the System but the primary partner is Cassidian Communications.
<<Back To Top
How do I change or delete the information I registered?
The registrant may use the log in feature in the System to change or delete contact information or call the 311 Operator during normal business hours.
<<Back To Top
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
To receive further information about the program, the registrant can send electronic correspondence to the E-mail address on the Contact webpage or call the 311 Operator.
<<Back To Top
