Week 1: Follow First Responders and Local Officials for Real-Time Emergency Information

For Week 1, let’s all check that we’re following the trustworthy social media accounts, registered for the official alerts, and using the reputable apps that will provide us with the information we need in case of emergency.

Social Media
Whether you're using Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, or Bluesky, there's a really good chance that your local fire and police departments, as well as city and county officials are posting from their verified accounts pretty regularly. Go to the app's search bar and try phrases like these -- [Your City Name] Fire Department, City of [Your City Name], and National Weather Service (NWS) [Your City Name], etc.

Alerts
It’s also important to look into whether your city or county offers some sort of emergency alert system. I’m signed up to receive all emergency notifications through a county-level service. I'm also aware that our city is working hard to improve their communications during emergencies.

Apps
If you’ve followed me on social media for a bit, you’ve probably figured out that the Watch Duty app is one of my favorite resources for real-time wildfire information. I appreciate that, even with the free version of the app, I can go to Settings > Notifications and set up alerts for fire incidents in close proximity to my home and where I work. In a few instances, I received a Watch Duty notification before I heard anything from another source of alerts -- the team is quick to verify ignitions, double-check data with local sources, provide evacuation messaging, maps, etc. However, Watch Duty is currently only providing information for states in the Western U.S.

The Red Cross mobile app lets you customize weather-related notifications for your location. Like Watch Duty, it also provides information about local shelters and has an interactive map.

Although this was a simple task to get us started, I think it’s critical that we are connected to the first responders and local officials who share the information we need.

• Cost: No Cost
• Frequency: Account follows and alert registration should only need to occur once. However, verified organizations occasionally change their usernames so, over time, you should double-check that you're still following the current account. Apps will require occasional updates.

What social media accounts do you follow for important information? Are you signed up to receive alerts? Which apps do you trust most? Let me know in the Comments.


Important Disclaimer: I am not a fire preparedness professional. I am merely sharing my research, opinions, and what I find that applies to my geographic and personal situations in hopes that it will help others. Please make sure that whatever steps and advice you follow are what is best for you.

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□️□ It’s Week 1 of our #FirePrepFriday series. This week, check that you’re following the social media accounts that will provide you with the information you need in case of emergency.

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— Krista West, Ph.D. (@rsfirenerd.bsky.social) March 28, 2025 at 9:13 AM