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How alerts and evacuations would work in San Carlos: SMC Alert, Genesis Protect and police high‑low sirens
Summary
Panelists explained how county SMC Alert and Genesis Protect (zone maps) combine with sheriff door‑to‑door notifications, patrol vehicle high‑low sirens, and city channels to notify residents and manage evacuations; residents were urged to register and know their zone.
County and city emergency officials described the layered alert-and-evacuation tools San Carlos would use in a wildfire: the county-run SMC Alert system (opt‑in), Genesis Protect zone mapping (formerly ZoneHaven), law-enforcement door‑to‑door and vehicle siren notifications, and city web and social channels for real-time updates.
Sandra Furo, a county emergency-management coordinator, said SMC Alert is an opt‑in system (registration at smcalert.info) that can deliver messages in a resident’s preferred language where available. She recommended residents register multiple addresses (home, work, school) and the Genesis Protect app so they know their predefined evacuation zone: "If we tell you SC00003 needs to be evacuated, you will know whether your address is impacted," she said.
Captain Mark Myers of the sheriff’s office explained on-the-ground notification methods. The sheriff’s office uses door‑to‑door contact as needed, audible sirens and PA announcements from patrol vehicles (a distinct "high‑low" tone indicating it is time to go), and will coordinate evacuation orders with fire command. Myers urged residents to follow designated evacuation routes, not take shortcuts, and to text rather than call to reduce cellular congestion.
Sergeant Jerry Cousins added that the Emergency Services Bureau (ESB) and patrol teams practice evacuation drills and maintain coordination with the fire department, public works and the county EOC. Officials said evacuation center locations can vary by incident and will be communicated via the previously listed channels.
Panelists urged a simple preparedness step: know your zone, have two ways out of your house and neighborhood, and register for SMC Alert and Genesis Protect to receive zone‑specific notifications.
The webinar Q&A reiterated practical steps for residents, and the city posted links to its emergency pages for registration and maps.
