From the US National Weather Service in Goodland: "Dry conditions and breezy southerly winds will promote erratic fire growth Thursday. We are looking at winds gusting up to around 40 MPH and humidity dropping to around 12%. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Thursday."
With that in mind, it is the right time for this release from the Red Cross that urges people to get ready for wildfires. See the release below:
Kansas and Oklahoma Region
Media Contact: Matt Trotter
Telephone: 918-221-4446
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Cross urges people to get ready for wildfires
Region is at high risk this week, with extreme fire weather in many areas
[MARCH 12, 2025] — With extreme fire weather forecast over a wide area this week, the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region urges people to prepare now.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD With the increasing risk of climate-driven disasters, help keep your family safe by getting prepared today.
Build an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information.
Make an evacuation plan with what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you must evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans — and don’t forget your pets.
Know how to stay informed by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Remember: People cause most wildfires. Do your part and practice prevention.
Don’t start a fire on a windy day. Save it for another time.
Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.
Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.
Tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas, such as chainsaws, must have spark arrestors.
Dispose of used cigarette butts and used matches in a closed container or cup of water.
Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
Prune trees above the height of bushes and shrubs (approximately 6’-10’ off the ground) and remove dead branches.
Mow grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4” high.
Remove dead and dry plants that could fuel a fire, as well as fallen leaves, pine cones, and other dry plant material.
Plus, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.