Local Best Practice: AlertSF Workshops for California Emergency Alerts – California OES/California Public Utilities Commission Sarah Tyler San Francisco Department of Emergency Management - Division of Emergency Services August 14, 2007
Capabilities Overview Internet-based text alerting system Vendor is Roam Secure Registration is voluntary Users sign up at AlertSF.org website System license essentially unlimited Covers any person who “lives, works or plays” in San Francisco
Capabilities Overview Sent from any computer/wireless device with internet access Sent to registered: Email addresses Cell phones Wireless PDAs Text pagers
Selecting AlertSF Following best practices from Washington, DC/National Capital Region Joint regional purchase with Homeland Security Grant Funding San Mateo County: smcalert.info Marin County: in development
Public Information/Warning Goals Disseminate post-disaster information Broadcast tsunami warnings Existing Tools Emergency Alert System EDIS Outdoor Public Warning System
Text alerting is robust AlertSF: Filling Gaps Text alerting is robust Functioned after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 9/11 Contact through alternative medium Deaf/Hard of Hearing population People inside/asleep?
Targeted Messaging Registration Groups Addresses of Interest Zip Code Business Groups Tsunami Inundation Zone Addresses of Interest Allows a new geographic group to be created based on incident
System Release System launched October 2006 Coincided with Loma Prieta anniversary Currently approaching 10,000 registrants
System Use Expanded system function Utility disruptions Local transit disruptions No major disasters Power Outages Unplanned Street Closures Information feeds (Weather, Earthquake, Amber Alert)