AlertSF, A Way to Communicate During an Emergency

AlertSF is a text-based notification system for San Francisco’s residents and visitors.

AlertSF will send tsunami alerts, severe weather/flooding notifications and post-disaster information to your registered wireless devices and email accounts.

As AlertSF’s features develop, you will also have the option to receive alerts regarding traffic delays, power outages, road closures, and other important information.

Registration for AlertSF is free. Text message charges may apply depending on your wireless carrier and plan. These charges will not be reimbursed by the City and County of San Francisco.

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Reliable Communication

• AlertSF is an emergency communication system used by governments, emergency management agencies and first responders to send emergency alerts, notifications and updates to your cell phone, pager, BlackBerry, PDA and/or e-mail account.
• In the event of an emergency, the City and County of San Francisco's emergency management personnel will send important alerts, updates and instructions right to your cell phone or mobile device using your device's text message (SMS) feature, and/or to your e-mail account(s).
• All cell phone carriers offer, and most phones have, text messaging capability. It's easy to use and costs range from free to only a few pennies per message. Click here to learn more about your carrier.
• Visit our FAQs for more information about text messaging and AlertSF.

How it works

The City and County of San Francisco has designated authorized personnel who are responsible for generating alert messages in the event of an emergency.

When an alert is sent, it travels directly to your e-mail, pager, BlackBerry, cell phone or other available devices. Messages beamed to your cell phone or mobile device arrive in seconds via the SMS (text messaging) network.

Getting started is simple

• No software to install, or extra equipment to purchase
• Registration takes only a few minutes:
  1. Sign up for an AlertSF account using your cell phone or mobile device or e-mail address.
  2. Choose a password so you can manage your account online.
  3. You are ready to receive alerts in the event of an emergency.
• Proceed to registration page.