Fall may bring images of changing leaves, football games and pumpkin patches to mind, but as we prepare for these annual autumn favorites, it’s also time to prepare for potential weather hazards.  

This fall, NOAA’s National Weather Service is focusing on two weather areas that can pose real dangers during this time of year: Fire weather and winter-like storms.

Fall weather could mean fire weather

Fire weather across the U.S. has been quite active in 2024, with the Park Fire currently ranked as the fourth-largest wildfire on record in California. Now is the time to prepare for fire weather. Here are some tips to get you started:  

• Familiarize yourself with fire weather safety terminology, such as fire weather watches and red flag warnings. 
• Create a wildfire action plan offsite linkthat includes evacuation routes, pre-evacuation plans and other important safety information.  
• Listen to your local officials and newscasts  for updates and evacuation orders.

Winter weather…. already?

Although summer memories might still be fresh in your mind, and fall is just starting to gear up, winter will be here before you know it.

Do you have answers to the questions below? If not, you have plenty of time to prepare:

• Do you have a winter safety kit ready to go with warm clothing, blankets, an updated first aid kit and enough non-perishable food and water? These items could save your life when a winter storm knocks out your power.
• Is your home winterized?
• What do you do if you’re caught outdoors in a winter storm?

Want to learn more about getting prepared and staying safe this season? NWS’s fall safety page is filled with more great tips. We even have safety information available in six different languages.

Have a festive, fun (and safe) fall!