Seminole County is under a “red flag” warning today as conditions are prime for fire outbreaks across Oklahoma.

The warning, which includes over 50 counties, was issued yesterday at 11:38 a.m. by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman. According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.

“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to extreme fire behavior,” the warning states. “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

High southwesterly winds blowing 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph are in today’s forecast, along with a low 12 percent humidity level and a high temperature of around 73 degrees.

With extreme fire weather forecast over a wide area, the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region recommends the following:

• 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.

• 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.

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.