Stay Informed/Warnings & Alerts

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Emergency Alerts

There are many ways public safety officials send out information to alert the public about emergency situations.

SMC Alert

This alert notification system is used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations. You can set alerts to send emergency and non-emergency text and voice messages to your devices to any city or town within San Mateo County. This system is the primary way Woodside Fire Protection District issues alerts.

Opt-in to SMC Alert

Tip: As with smoke alarms, test your subscription regularly to make sure it works with all your devices.

AM-1680 – Portola Valley Radio

This is Portola Valley's broadcast station where you can listen to local updates and any emergency instructions. You can also stream this radio station via the internet.

Genasys (Zonehaven) – Know Your Zone

Visit myzone.zonehaven.com to find out what zone you live in, and make sure everyone in your household is aware. SMCAlert wildfire evacuation notices will use these Zones. Download the Genasys Protect app for your mobile device.

Learn about Power Outages

Know the status of unplanned outages, as well as planned Public Safety Power Shutoff events by visiting PG&E's website.

Tune in "Highly Reliable" Stations

Many radio broadcasters are specially prepared to stay running in emergencies. These stations will be broadcasting emergency information during any large-scale disaster. In our area, AM stations like KGO 810, KCBS 740, and KNBR 680, as well as FM KQED 88.5 and KCBS 106.9 will be broadcasting.

Ignorance is not bliss.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office based on your physical location. You can purchase a NOAA radio on Amazon for roughly $30.

Emergency AM/FM Radio

Keep an emergency radio with hand crank and/or solar power ready so you can get information when other sources have lost power.

Mobile Apps

There are several online websites and mobile apps that can be useful to keep yourself informed.

Watch Duty - Watch Duty should be your go-to for wildfire notifications, it consolidates fire maps and CAL Fire Incidents.
FireDispatch.com – Your way to track fire incidents within San Mateo County.
MyShake – Have earthquake information at your fingertips and see damage reports shared by citizen scientists like you.
Smoke Point - Smoke Point uses integrated ALERTCalifornia and Alert Wildfire cameras and observations contributed by the public to quickly triangulate the locations of new fires.
Air Quality apps – Weather, map, and fitness apps now tell you the local AQI on your phone and watch. To get many more official government details, go to AirNow.
QuickMap – Caltrans shows you all the blocked streets, which could be useful in a disaster.
PulsePoint – Use this app to see first responder activity. It is useful when you hear sirens in your neighborhood.
PulsePoint AED – Find the location of the nearest AED.
First Aid – The Red Cross has several apps for emergencies. First Aid has CPR instructions, how to use an AED, and other tips.
PV Connect – The Town’s app connects to the Public Works department so you can report new incidents or track existing ones.

WPV-Ready Online Resources

Groups.io - This online discussion tool is a great way to connect with the community.
Email Sign-Up – Join our email list, so you get the latest updates delivered straight to you.
YouTube – Classes, webinars and more are posted here.
Twitter – All the news that's tellable in very short messages!
Instagram – Follow us to receive news alerts in pictures.
Facebook – Connect with us on our social media page and share with your family and friends.
WPV-Ready.org/Social

Additional Resources

Download this information as a PDF: WPV-Ready - Basics of Prep/Stay Informed
Sign up for SMC Alert
Stay Informed

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