Alert & Warning Advanced Training Workshop

BUILDING BETTER ALERTS: FROM SUMMER LEARNING TO EVERYDAY PRACTICE

Advanced Training Workshop - September 18, 2025

Building on our July 2025 Alert & Warning Workshop and lessons learned from this summer's tsunami events, San Mateo County Emergency Management continues our commitment to evidence-based emergency communication with Dr. Jeannette Sutton and The Warn Room.

This focused training moves us from understanding challenges to applying evidence-based solutions in daily practice—strengthening how we keep communities informed and safe during emergencies.

SESSION 1: HANDS-ON ALERT & WARNING TRAINING 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Target Audience: All operational area partners as well as Bay Area emergency managers, dispatchers, and anyone who drafts, sends, or approves emergency alerts

What You'll Do:

• Practice scenario-based alert creation using proven templates
• Apply the Five Element Framework through hands-on exercises
• Standardize messaging across agencies for consistent public communication
• Learn from recent incidents to improve timing, accuracy, and actionability

LUNCH: 12:00 – 1:00 PM: SMC EM will make every effort to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food if they prefer

SESSION 2: STRATEGIC MESSAGE DISTRIBUTION & PLATFORM SELECTION 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Target Audience: PIOs (fire, law enforcement, EMS, county, city, special districts), City Managers, and decision-makers responsible for emergency messaging during unfolding incidents

What You'll Do:

• Select appropriate warning platforms based on threat severity and audience
• Match communication channels to different hazard levels and required actions
• Coordinate multi-platform messaging for maximum reach and clarity
• Develop protocols for real-time communication decisions

RSVP REQUIRED: You are welcome to attend the whole day, and please indicate which session(s) you plan to attend when registering.

DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025

LOCATION: San Mateo County Emergency Management, 501 Winslow St., Redwood City

LUNCH: Provided

Register now to strengthen our regional emergency communication capabilities.

Host or Publisher County of San Mateo DEM