KERN COUNTY, CA – Emergencies can happen at any time, including wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. In the wake of disasters, it is repeatedly seen that every minute counts. To help our residents be better prepared for emergencies, the Kern County Fire Department and Kern County Office of Emergency Services have partnered with Genasys to divide the county into pre-established evacuation zones. This new Genasys Protect evacuation management and communication tool has been a project nearly two years in the making and is now live! We are excited to see the benefits it will bring to our community by reducing the time needed to give evacuation notifications.
- Go to protect.genasys.com to find your zone.
- Once you find your zone name, write it down and post it somewhere that is easy to find. Knowing your zone name will help you quickly identify if the status of your zone is changed due to an emergency.
- Authorities will use Zone names in emergency alerts to notify residents of which areas are affected. Sign up to receive emergency alerts at readykern.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Genasys evacuation management tool, also known as Genasys Protect?
Genasys Protect is a platform utilized to allow communities and first responders to more effectively plan, communicate, and execute evacuations. The platform will be used countywide, including the County and all cities.
What is the Genasys Protect Community Site?
The Genasys Protect Community Site (protect.genasys.com) is a web-based platform for our community to find their evacuation zones and view emergency information. Residents can look up their address using the search bar.
Residents can also download the Genasys Protect App for iOS and Android, which will provide evacuation information to their mobile devices, including notifications if they choose to allow them. https://protect.genasys.com/download
The App allows individuals who live, follow, or are visiting zones to receive evacuation messaging as a critical alert (alarms when phones are in silent mode).
Do I still need to sign up for ReadyKern to receive emergency notifications?
Yes, residents in Kern County should sign up to receive emergency notifications via ReadyKern. Zone names will be used in ReadyKern notifications, so it is important to #KnowYourZone. Genasys Protect doesn’t replace ReadyKern. It enhances its effectiveness.
Sign up to receive emergency notifications, readykern.com
Why do we need evacuation zones?
Pre-established evacuation zones help first responders and emergency service agencies prepare before an emergency strikes and help streamline the evacuation process, reducing confusion and allowing residents to evacuate quickly. It also ensures that first responders and community members are on the same page with the same information.
How do I Find My Zone?
Visit protect.genasys.com and type in your address in the search bar. Write the zone name down, memorize it, and post it in a high-traffic location, like on your refrigerator.
Where does the information in Genasys Protect come from, and who keeps it updated?
The Kern County Fire Department worked directly with Genasys to add and approve all information for the zones. Emergency response personnel update the status and information during emergencies.