Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS)
During a major disaster such as a wildfire, the San Bernardino County uses a system known as the Telephone Emergency Notification System or TENS to send high-speed mass notifications by telephone and text messages. This system helps us get you critical updates, such as evacuation information, as quickly as possible.
The County uses a database of landline telephone numbers, which is updated every six months, to send emergency messages to landline phones only. By signing up below, residents can also receive emergency text messages on their cell phones, add voice over internet phone numbers (V.O.I.P.), and manage their own account using a valid email address. Those without internet connections can sign up by calling 2-1-1 or (888) 435-7565.
TENS alerts do not generally go out to the entire County but instead are targeted to affected areas. The County of San Bernardino utilizes multiple ways to notify residents of impending danger, but residents should not wait for or rely exclusively on any single notification system. If you are concerned about your safety and welfare, please evacuate.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
During threatening emergencies in your area, authorized government agencies can send Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to your mobile device. Messages regarding extreme weather, life threatening emergencies, AMBER alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency are all sent through the WEA system.
- Turn on WEA alerts in your cell phone by going to the Settings > Notifications and turn on all Emergency and Public Safety Alerts.
Ready SB App
Be prepared for disaster. The Ready San Bernardino County app will help you prepare and plan for how to respond to a disaster in your area.
Using the Ready San Bernardino County app, you will be able to:
- Share your status with your selected contacts with the push of a button.
- Receive critical emergency alerts via push notification.
- Locate San Bernardino County’s emergency shelters.
- View up-to-date evacuation route maps.
- Get the latest news and weather for the San Bernardino County area.
- Create a personalized Emergency Preparedness Plan by answering five basic questions.