Whether it’s a fire, traffic accident, road closure or power outage, Ramona residents can often use their phones and computers to find out what’s happening across town.
The apps, websites and phone numbers listed are free, and there is no solicitation associated with their use.
PulsePoint, www.pulsepoint.org, is an easy-to-navigate app listing nearly every kind of emergency requiring first responders, from traffic collisions to various types of fires. Events are displayed in real time, with icons representing the incident, a general location and map, emergency vehicles that have responded and more. s can even choose to be alerted to specific emergencies.
Be sure and choose the correct emergency service you want to follow; for example, the San Diego County Fire and Sheriff’s Department cover Ramona and much of the backcountry, but does not always include Poway. s can switch back and forth between departments.
Watch Duty, www.watchduty.org, is an app that includes realtime Calfire data, fire crew reports, photographs, mapping, alerts and tracking.
California Highway Patrol or CHP Traffic Incident Information Page is a website found at cad.chp.ca.gov; Ramona is located under the “Border” Communications Center.
The site lists the real time, type and location of dispatches. By clicking on “Details,” viewers can learn more about a specific incident, such as units assigned and cleared, maps and more. It helps to know Ramona streets, as incidents are shown under the El Cajon “Area.”
SigAlert is used by the CHP when an unplanned event causes at least one lane of traffic to be closed for 30 minutes or more; Caltrans also issues Sig Alerts for traffic incidents tying up two or more freeway lanes for two or more hours.
SigAlerts can be found on television traffic reports, local radio stations and electronic billboards above highways.
Online or mobile phones can search for SigAlert.com then San Diego. g up on a mobile phone allows s to be notified of Sig Alerts on their saved routes, and can even display alternative routes.
The San Diego County Sheriff Department Calls for Service site, callsforservice.sdsheriff.gov, allows viewers to see realtime information about calls to the Sheriff’s dispatch.
AlertSanDiego delivers safety information directly to phones; the county-wide notification system is used for the safe evacuation of residents and businesses, shelter in place, gas leaks and missing persons.
AlertSanDiego.org is for ing cell phones, VoIP phones and email addresses only. Listed and unlisted landline phone numbers are already included in the database and do not need to be ed.
Genasys Protect notifies about danger and evacuation orders; sign up at: https://protect.genasys.com/.
The SD Emergency app provides emergency updates, maps, shelter locations and a host of disaster preparedness information. s can even use the app to plan for unexpected emergencies. The app can be found on the App Store or Google play.
The app includes the ShakeReadySD early earthquake warning notifications.
Caltrans road information, such as current highway conditions, can be found at roads.dot.ca.gov. Enter the highway number and answers appear immediately. Current highway conditions can also be found by calling 1-800-427-7623.
Alerts by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) mobile app gives s potential and active events, status updates and estimated restoration times; visit sdge.com to sign up. You do not have to have an with SDG&E or to access the information.
Helicopter announcements can be difficult to understand; by texting “Hello” to 858-866-4356, the ASTREA (helicopter) messages will be sent to your phone. The text will have to be sent every time you want to know what the chopper is messaging.
TWITTER/X and Instagram: A couple of useful official Twitter s include Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire at @CALFIRESANDIEGO and SD County Fire Scanner @SDCountyFires, which tweet fires and prescribed burns.
There are more official sources on Twitter; simply search and follow the s you’re interested in.
Similarly, many official sources can be found on Instagram; for example, Instagram@calfireairops can be used follow aircraft operations and locations for the Calfire Aviation program.
Flightaware.com allows s to track all airborne state Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention Calfire aircraft, providing realtime flight information.
The Waterbomber Wildfire Tracker mobile app allows s to track fire-fighting aircraft live, including spotter planes, waterbombers and all related aircrafts. s can receive notifications for specific areas. Look for the app on the App Store or Google Play or https://www.Waterbomber.app.
211SanDiego.org offers disaster alerts and resources, as well as updated information about health and social services.
The 24-hour non-emergency information line can answer questions ranging from road closures, evacuation routes and shelters. One of the biggest roles of 211 is to help with rumor control and taking public on emerging needs. The website is filled with information and resources.
The San Diego Office of Emergency Services, https://www.sandiego.gov/oes/informed, offers a wealth of emergency information, much of which is geared toward the city of San Diego.
The HPWren camera site, https://www.hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/, offers an overview of the county and beyond through the use of mounted cameras, and can be especially useful during wildfires.
While there are many other sources of information available during an actual emergency, residents should search for official websites and agencies as opposed to social media sites, which can unknowingly spread false information or rumors.
Radio and television stations often change their programming to give regular updates during emergencies, and often have access to officials to confirm what they are being told.
Private group text chats among close neighbors can also sometimes be a reliable source of information during emergency situations.
