San Diego County updates emergency alert system to address evacuation issues

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — New technologies could be game-changing as fire season reaches its peak.

“We don’t know if there’s a tsunami, an earthquake, a flood or a forest fire,” said Steven Lozano, deputy fire chief for special operations for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Whatever the emergency, first responders are ready and are implementing a new emergency alert system featuring Genasys’ EVAC technology to address the biggest challenge they face during natural disasters.

“It’s about the population we serve and want to protect, without them knowing – it’s me – and it creates confusion,” said Chief Lozano.

First responders are working together to develop an updated system using geographic boundaries, including lakes, mountains and highways, to improve mapping zones.

“It makes sense when you drive through the place you live every day. It makes more sense because you know the area,” said Chief Lozano.

As we move into the most dangerous months of the fire season, it is even more important to provide the public with easy-to-understand information.

According to the Division of Forecast Services, these environmental conditions could lead to a brutal fire season.

“They’re predicting we may have La Niña weather this year, so slightly drier conditions,” said Mike Cornette, fire captain of the San Diego County Fire Department.

“The SD Emergency App and alertsandiego.org are the two resources we recommend people use,” Cornette added.

If you already have the app, you don’t need to do anything. Emergency officials say the app updates automatically.

Fire department officials say the updated system will come into effect on May 31.