Know When It's Time To Go

The City of Fremont uses multiple ways to alert and warn the public when there is an imminent threat to life.

Alert & Warning

The City of Fremont uses Alameda County’s unified mass notification system, consisting of:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts: short emergency messages sent to mobile devices in a targeted geographic area. This includes an alert tone which overrides audio settings, and a text message.

   

• Emergency Alert System: broadcast messages that interrupt local television or radio programming to relay emergency information. KCBS 740 AM and KQED 88.5 FM radio are recognized sources for emergency information and updates. 1610 AM provides weather information and other emergency information.

   

• Reverse 9-1-1: simultaneous calling of landline phones in a targeted geographic area, providing recorded and automated voice instructions. This service is TTY compatible.

   

• AC Alert: an opt-in emergency and non-emergency notification system capable of sending text messages, emails, and automated phone calls to subscribers. Sign up here.

   

• Nixle: opt-in emergency and non-emergency notification system used by the Fremont Police Department to send text messages and emails to subscribers. Sign up here, or text your zip code to 888777.

WEA, EAS, and Reverse 9-1-1 are reserved only for alerting and warning the public in life-threatening situations. These systems are typically used once to alert residents when an Evacuation Order has been issued. AC Alert and Nixle are used to send both emergency and non-emergency messages – and are an important source for updated information.

Hi-Lo Audible Warning Sound

The Hi-Lo audible warning sound is an alternating high and low tone, which you may hear during an evacuation. Play the video below for a demonstration. If you hear Hi-Lo audible warning sound, it means there is a mandatory Evacuation Order. Voice instructions over the emergency vehicle’s loudspeaker will follow. In California, the Hi-Lo audible warning sound is reserved only for evacuations.

When you hear the Hi-Lo, it’s time to go!

Don’t Wait to Evacuate

You could be notified of an evacuation by a knock at your door by public safety officials – but only when time and resources allow.  

Because all emergencies are different, and because no method of notification is entirely fail-safe, be prepared to evacuate in response to any of the notification methods described above. Even if you have not yet received any notification to evacuate, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY if you feel it is unsafe to stay. Don't wait to evacuate!

Genasys Protect

The City of Fremont uses a software called Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) to share real-time information during evacuations. This system provides shared awareness among public safety officials, supporting services, and the public.

Know Your Zone

Fremont is divided into more than 100 pre-planned evacuation zones. Find your zone on the map below.

During an evacuation, designated zone(s) will change color according to the Evacuation Statuses above. You can click the zone for more information about the evacuation.

Forgot your zone? That’s okay. When an Evacuation Order is issued, you can expect to be notified by one or more of the methods described under “Know When It’s Time to Go”.

Preparedness Tips for Everyone

During an Emergency:

• Leave the area immediately if there is an Evacuation Order.
• Don’t wait for an Evacuation Order if you feel unsafe. Leave early if you are unsure. Conditions can change quickly. Stay alert and keep calm.
• Carry your wallet, keys, and cell phone with you.
• Once you are safely out of the area under evacuation, check City of Fremont social for updates and tune in to KCBS 740 AM, KQED 88.5 FM, or other news sources.
• Stay with friends or relatives, or at other accommodations, if you can. The City may set up shelter for evacuees, but this may take several hours.
• The City may establish a Temporary Evacuation Point where evacuees can assemble and receive information. This provides a good place for information – and to remain temporarily until the Evacuation Order is lifted or additional temporary services become available. A Temporary Evacuation Point is typically a parking lot or other public facility, established shortly following the evacuation.

Before an Emergency:

• Gather emergency supplies and prepare a Go Kit. 
• Make a plan.
• Get connected. Sign up for AC Alert and Nixle.

Evacuation Tips for Older Adults & Individuals with Access & Functional Needs

During an Emergency:

• If an Evacuation Order has been issued, and you cannot evacuate on your own, and no one is available to assist you, call 9-1-1.

Before an Emergency:

• If you are not able to evacuation on your own, arrange for help. For instance, make a list of neighbors who might be able to help you in an emergency, and talk to them in advance. Make plan.

Evacuation Tips for People with Pets or Livestock

During an Emergency:

• Locate your pets as soon as an Evacuation Warning is given. You may not be able to catch them if there is an advancing wildfire or other threat. Place them in carriers near the front door, with fresh water and extra food.
• Prepare horses and large animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location as soon as an Evacuation Warning is given. Moving them to a safe location.

Before an Emergency:

• Be sure your pets wear tags and are registered with microchips.
• Plan ahead for pet needs.

• Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven)
• Contacting 9-1-1
• Storm & Flood Preparedness
• Tsunami Preparedness
• Wildfire Preparedness