Stay Informed
Set these up now, before you need them. When an emergency hits, you will already have the tools in place.
Do These Today
These two steps take less than 10 minutes and are the most important things on this page.
1. Sign up for SMCAlert
SMCAlert is San Mateo County’s emergency notification system. It sends evacuation orders, shelter locations, and emergency updates by text, email, and phone call. It is free and takes about 3 minutes to set up.
What to do: Visit smcalert.info, create an account, enter your address, and choose how you want to be notified (text, email, phone). Select all three if possible. Choose alert areas that include where you live and work.
If you signed up before 2017 and have not logged in recently, log in and update your settings.
2. Find your evacuation zone on Genasys Protect
Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) shows a map of evacuation zones. During a wildfire or other emergency, zones are marked as Advisory, Warning, or Order so you know if your area is affected.
What to do: Visit the link below, enter your address, and note your zone name. Bookmark the page. During an emergency, check it to see if your zone has an active evacuation notice. Share it with your family.
Apps to Install on Your Phone
Download these from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). All are free.
Watch Duty
Highly Recommended for Our AreaReal-time wildfire tracking with community-sourced reports and professional fire intel. Shows fire perimeters, evacuation zones, and air quality. This is the app most local residents rely on during fire season.
What to do: Search “Watch Duty” in your app store. Install it. Allow notifications. Set your home location so you receive alerts for fires near you.
PulsePoint
Shows real-time fire and EMS dispatch activity in your area. When you hear sirens, PulsePoint tells you what is happening. It also alerts you when CPR is needed nearby if you are trained.
What to do: Search “PulsePoint Respond” in your app store. Install it. Set your location to see local incidents.
FEMA App
Weather alerts, safety tips, shelter locations, disaster resources, and a “Disaster Reporter” feature for reporting damage. Useful for getting official federal emergency information.
What to do: Search “FEMA” in your app store. Install it. Set your location for local alerts. Browse the safety tips section when you have time.
Red Cross Emergency App
Custom severe weather alerts, shelter finder, first aid instructions, and a “Safe and Well” check-in feature so family members can see that you are okay after a disaster.
What to do: Search “Red Cross Emergency” in your app store. Install it. Set up your alert locations and explore the first aid section.
Get a Weather Radio
When the power is out and your phone is dead, a battery or crank-powered radio may be your only source of information.
NOAA Weather Radio with SAME
A dedicated weather radio receives 24/7 broadcasts from the National Weather Service, including severe weather warnings, evacuation notices, and other hazard alerts. It works when power, internet, and cell towers are all down.
What to buy: Look for a radio with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) capability. SAME lets you program your county code so you only hear alerts for your area instead of the entire region. Popular models include the Midland WR-120 and WR-400. Available on Amazon and at most hardware stores. $25–$40.
Our SAME code: San Mateo County is 006081. Program this into your radio after purchase.
Alternative: A hand-crank or solar-powered AM/FM radio will also work for receiving emergency broadcasts on local stations (KGO 810 AM, KCBS 740 AM). These are good backup options and are often included in go-bag kits.
Portola Valley AM 1680
Portola Valley operates a low-power AM radio station at 1680 AM that broadcasts local emergency information. If you have a battery-powered AM radio, tune to 1680 during an emergency for hyper-local updates.
How Emergency Alerts Work
You do not need to understand these systems to benefit from them, but it helps to know what is happening behind the scenes.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
The loud alerts that appear on your phone without any sign-up. These are pushed by authorized agencies through cell towers for imminent threats (AMBER alerts, extreme weather, presidential alerts). You are already receiving these — no action needed.
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
The system that interrupts TV and radio broadcasts with emergency messages. The familiar “this is a test of the emergency broadcast system.” This is automatic — no action needed.
IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System)
FEMA’s national infrastructure that ties WEA, EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and other systems together so a single alert reaches people through multiple channels simultaneously.