Stay Informed
Knowing what is happening is the foundation of emergency response. Sign up for alerts, learn the systems, and be ready to act.
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Local Alert Systems
SMCAlert
San Mateo County's emergency notification system. Opt-in for text, email, and voice alerts. Geographically targeted. This is the primary way you will be notified of local emergencies.
Genasys Protect (Zonehaven)
Map-based tool showing evacuation zones with real-time status (Advisory, Warning, Order). Know your zone before an emergency. Bookmark this site.
Federal Alert Systems
IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System)
FEMA's national alerting infrastructure that distributes messages through multiple channels simultaneously.
WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts)
Automatic alerts sent directly to your cell phone -- no sign-up required. Includes AMBER alerts, extreme weather, and presidential alerts.
EAS (Emergency Alert System)
Interrupts TV and radio broadcasts with emergency information. The familiar "this is a test" system.
NOAA Weather Radio (NWR / NAWAS)
24/7 weather and hazard broadcasts. Works when power and internet are out. Consider a NOAA weather radio with SAME technology for location-specific alerts.
Apps and Resources
FEMA App
Real-time weather alerts, safety tips, shelter locations, and disaster resources.
Red Cross Emergency App
Custom alerts, shelter map, first aid instructions, and family safe check-in.
Watch Duty
Real-time wildfire tracking with community-sourced reports. Highly recommended for our area.
PulsePoint
Real-time fire and EMS dispatch alerts for your area.
NOAA Weather Radio
A dedicated weather radio is one of the most reliable emergency communication tools. It works when power and internet are out. Look for a model with SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) that lets you set your county code so you only receive alerts for your area.
Our area's SAME code for San Mateo County is 006081.