Many years ago, on my honeymoon with my ex-husband, we vacationed in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, which is located just south of Cancun, and a short boat ride to the island of Cozumel. It had been more than two decades since I last saw the ocean, let alone swam in it. I had never seen the Gulf of Mexico as we (my mom and immediate family) always vacationed on the east coast of the United States in New Jersey or Maryland.

It was a wonderful trip filled with a lot of tourist activities, such as:

• Parasailing
• Scuba diving (yes, we saw sharks, and I was terrified!)
• Snorkeling in Cozumel
• Rented jet skis for three hours, jumping waves on the Gulf of Mexico

A nontraditional thing we did was make friends with some locals (I speak Spanish very well – muy bien) and hung out with them for the remainder of our trip. They took us to spots you wouldn’t usually be able to see, including hanging out at their apartment, swimming at a locals-only beach spot, and eating at a locally run restaurant in someone’s garage. Those were probably the best moments we spent in Mexico!

On the last day of our trip, I really wanted to swim in the ocean one more time before we left. However, for the first time since our arrival, there were red flags posted everywhere. But the waves were so big and calling my name! My ex and I decided to take a risk (not advisable) and venture out into the waters. The undercurrent had an extraordinarily strong pull, and we had to dig our feet into the sand to prevent being pulled out to sea! Thankfully, we were still young and strong, or else I wouldn’t be here to tell this story!

The reason the red flags were out was because a hurricane was approaching the area. Fortunately, we left that afternoon to arrive safely back home in Michigan. Red flags can indicate something much different, yet they are still a strong warning for dangerous natural occurrences in places like Michigan or upstate New York, like fires or rip currents on the “salt-free” Great Lakes.

According to The National Weather Service, “A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. 

 -If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

 -Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.

 -Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

 -Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread,”.

What does a red flag symbolize?

I have seen red flags on the beach, at the lake, or the ocean for dangerous swimming conditions or in campgrounds indicating very dry conditions and not to have a campfire. Then, there are the red flags in relationships as indicators of ill intent.

For example, the Cambridge Dictionary notes that a red flag is,

“A flag used as a sign of danger or to tell someone in a race to stop:

You’re not allowed to swim when the red flag is flying.

The official waves a red flag if it’s a false start.

a sign that something bad is happening or could happen:

Poor oral health might serve as a red flag for heart disease risk.

Controlling behavior in a relationship could be a red flag,”.

When someone expresses concern or a warning over something, we could say that person raises a red flag. In a friendship, a red flag is how you feel in that relationship. Should one consistently feel drained, anxious, or unhappy after spending time with said friend, it could be a clear sign that something is not right because true friendships uplift and energize – not emotionally exhausted. I had a friend like that, and every time she made me feel exhausted, I would make excuses for her behavior.

Likewise, in my marriage to my now ex-husband, I was consistently feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and powerless. Needless to say, I ended both of those relationships almost three years ago and keep a lookout for red flags in any new relationships I may enter into.

Acknowledging personal red flags in relationships or situations is an act of self-care. It requires one to be honest with oneself, recognizing when circumstances or individuals aren’t contributing positively to one’s life. This could mean setting boundaries or seeking guidance from friends, mentors, or professionals to navigate through challenging situations.

Learning to read the signs, whether they be in nature or relationships, empowers us to make informed decisions. It’s about developing an intuitive understanding of when to step back and evaluate the scenarios life presents us, thus ensuring a balance between engagement with the world and our personal peace.

What does a red flag warning mean in California?

The date of this writing, there are currently highly destructive wildfires happening in Los Angeles, California. NPR suggests that, “Red flag warning: A red flag warning means there are conditions for an increased risk of fire: a combination of very low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds. More on red flag warnings and PDS warnings from LAist.

Santa Ana winds: Winds with powerful gusts that sometimes exceed hurricane-force winds. They are caused by high pressure over the desert Southwest and push through the mountain passages in Southern California toward an area of lower pressure off the Pacific coast. More on the Santa Ana winds.

Evacuation Warning: There is “impending danger” to life or property, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. A person should also expect an order to evacuate will follow shortly after.

Evacuation Order: There is an “immediate threat” to one’s life and people within an evacuation zone should leave immediately, the office also says,”.

The New York Times reports, “For two weeks, the blazes around Los Angeles have been driven by dry air and strong winds. Now, the city is bracing for a different kind of weather threat: Rain.

Showers forecast for the weekend may help dampen the Eaton and Palisades fires, which have been burning since Jan. 7, have destroyed communities and have cast a smoky shadow over the city. But the rain could also interact with the burned land to make flooding more likely and more destructive,”.

What does a red flag warning mean in weather?

In conclusion, remember that being aware and acting upon red flags not only preserves safety and quality of life but encourages growth and understanding in all facets of existence.