==Sorry to bother you with another email, but lightning strikes are in our forecast again. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the East Bay Hills.

==We are surrounded by wildfires consuming thousands of acres of our state. You need to be alert, prepared, and ready to go if necessary.

==If you haven't already, please sign up for AC Alert. This is the emergency notification system that will keep you informed if the fire department determines that there is a need for you to evacuate.

==Please take care and check in on your neighbors.

==A high fire danger warning has been issued for the Berkeley Hills for Sunday and Monday.

==The National Weather Service’s “Red Flag Warning” for 5 am Sunday, August 23 until 5 pm on Monday, August 24 is a reminder to be ready for a wildfire.

==Now is the time to create a go-bag or refresh the one you already have. Here are my suggestions for what to include. These recommendations are based on research and consultation with emergency preparedness experts. That said, feel free to customize these ideas to your own personal needs.

==Put these items in a backpack or duffel bag with a shoulder strap.

==Keep your Go-Bag(s) in an easily accessed location - an entry-hall closet or a garage.

==You could also keep them outside your home in a waterproof box or trash can with a strapped lid.

==Make sure each bag has a tag with your name and address.

==It is also a good idea to have emergency Go-Bags in your vehicle and at work.

==Remember that you may be walking or running with this bag, so do not make it too heavy.

==If you assemble your go-bag this week, you will be one step closer to being prepared to evacuate in the event of a threatening wildfire or other disaster.

==The advice of the Fire Department is: DO NOT WEAR AN N95 MASK WHEN EVACUATING. WEAR A BANDANA.

==You can wear the N95 after you have evacuated when smoke particulates are polluting the air, but wearing an N95 when you are either walking fast or running is not recommended.

==PG&E claims that it may be necessary to turn off your electricity to keep you safe from the risk of wildfire during extreme weather events. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). They promise to provide notifications two days in advance, then one day in advance, and right before they turn off your power. You will be notified through calls, texts and emails. I will also try to notify you in a timely way.

==Factors that PG&E considers when they are making their decision:

==You can find out more here.

==When you get notification, use that time to prepare for being without power. Ask yourself these questions:

==AC Alert will be Berkeley's primary emergency alerting system for the public. It is one of the tools the City of Berkeley uses to communicate emergency information and instructions to the community. AC Alert can send:

   Listed AT&T "land lines" are automatically included to receive voice messages from AC Alert for emergency warnings. Community members must sign up to receive voice or text alerts on cell phones, VoIP phones, unlisted phones, TTY/TDDs or through email.

   If you want to receive emergency alerts and updates, sign up for AC Alert.