Red Flag Day Warnings
The fire department alerts residents of days when fire danger is particularly high by flying red flag pennants on the Kensington Public Safety Building flagpole.

Red Flag Days are declared by the National Weather Service based on wind, temperature and humidity conditions. Kensington typically experiences six to 20 Red Flag Days each year, all after September 1. The fire season is not considered at an end until the area has had about 100 hours of rainy weather.

In addition, to flying red flags the department increases its awareness of areas such as the wild land interface between Kensington and Wildcat Canyon. The department sends additional fire engines to reports of fire with the help of its mutual response agreements with Berkeley, Richmond and the Contra Costa Fire District.

October 4 - Come and Celebrate Fire Prevention Week!
The department will be hosting an open house at the Kensington Public Safety Building (Station 65), 217 Arlington Avenue, on Saturday, October 4th. All Kensington residents and guests are welcome to drop by between the hours of 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. for tours of the fire house, some great fire tips and souvenirs. Fire Chief Maples will be barbequing hot dogs, and drinks and cookies will be available. Come by and introduce yourself to our local firefighters and see our great new public education addition - Pluggie the Hydrant!

October is Fire Prevention Month
October 5th through 11th is fire prevention week. During the month of October the fire department conducts public education demonstrations in schools and other places throughout the Kensington and El Cerrito communities. For more information or to schedule a demonstration, please contact the El Cerrito Fire Department at 215-4450.

We Can't Help You If We Can't Find You
Proper identification of your home is essential. Remember, during an emergency, emergency personnel trying to find the correct address can lose precious time if your house number is not clearly visible. Emergency personnel will be relying on clear street signs and addresses to find your home.

Your street address should be printed in letters and numbers that are at least four inches tall for homes, and four to six inches tall for businesses. They should be visible from at least 150 feet, both at night and during the day, from the main route of travel.

If your house is set back from the street or road, post your address at the entrance of your driveway. In situations where more than one home is accessed off a single driveway, all addresses should be posted at the street, and at each appropriate intersection along that driveway.

Many address numerals start out visible. Repainting often changes the contrast between the numerals and background. Sometimes the numbers are even painted the same color as the background. Ornamental vegetation can grow to conceal address numerals. New fences, window replacement, and home remodeling projects can all conspire to hide once visible address numerals. You know where you live, but will anyone else?

HALLOWEEN SAFETY
We all want children to remain safe during the traditional Halloween trick-or-treat festivities. Here are a few helpful hints from the Fire District:

Child should be instructed not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. To easily see and be seen, children should carry flashlights. An adult, or an older, responsible child should always accompany young children. Children should only go to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Use care when live candles are used in jack-o-lanterns. Do not place them near flammable objects.