Co of SLO Office of Emergency Services - OES

09/29/2026

The National Weather Service issued Seasonal Temperature Outlooks and Seasonal Precipitation Outlooks for the next several months.

Time to prep! Visit ReadySLO.org/elnino now.

09/28/2026

Looking for where to find sandbags and related flood control materials in preparation for potential El Niño storms this winter? We got you covered.

Visit ReadySLO.org/storms for locations for both sandbags and sand.

And watch this awesome video put together by our County of San Luis Obispo Public Works about how to fill and use sandbags!

09/28/2026

A Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) is a free, text-like message sent by authorized emergency officials that is sent to all cell phones within a geographic area when protective actions are needed.

The system launched in 2012 and since then more than 2,000 alerting authorities have sent out more than 96,000 public alerts.

Here in SLO County, wireless emergency alerts have been issued multiple times, including during fires and floods when protective actions have been ordered.

WEA messages are just one more way emergency officials communicate important information to the public.

Learn more by visiting our WEA page at https://www.readyslo.org/prepare/alert-and-notification-systems/wireless-emergency-alerts/

09/25/2026

Important reminders about what El Niño means and how to prepare from our partners at the NWS Oxnard/Los Angeles office!

What does El Nino Mean for Southern California?

Some ways to prepare for the winter may include:
🏠Ensure roofs are in good condition
🚘Replace windshield wipers and tires
🍂Clear out gutters
⚠️Sign up to receive emergency alerts from your local government

09/23/2026

UPDATE: The Evacuation Order has been lifted.

Cal Fire has issued an Evacuation Order for evacuation zone LPF-004. This zone includes the areas north of Mount Lowe Road, east of HWY 101, south of Forest Route 29S04, and west of Burrito Creek Rd. For additional information go to ReadySLO.org/WEA

09/23/2026

Last week when Highway 101 was closed in Paso Robles due to police activity AlertSLO notified subscribers about the closure. Unfortunately most people in the community have not signed up yet.

AlertSLO is a sign-up based mass notification system that SLO County OES uses to send out important information about emergencies and other incidents. You can sign up to receive alerts by text, email and/or phone, and choose the types of notifications you want to receive.

AlertSLO is just one way we notify the public of emergencies. Depending on the situation, we may also use Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), social media, ReadySLO.org, sirens and other tools.

The more ways we have to reach you, the better the chance is you get the message!

Please ... visit AlertSLO.org today.

09/22/2026

Did you know that our siren system is the largest fully active, regularly tested outdoor emergency siren network in the entire State of California?

The sirens, which are throughout the Emergency Planning Zone for Diablo Canyon Power Plant (which extends from Cayucos, through the City of San Luis Obispo and down to Willow Road in Nipomo), alert the public to go indoors and tune to a local TV or radio station for important emergency information.

Although the siren system was installed as one of the requirements related to the operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the sirens can be used for any local emergency where there is a need for the public to act.

The sirens are one of several systems that can be used during an emergency in SLO County to let the public know they need to take action. Having multiple, redundant methods of emergency notification that can be selected as appropriate by emergency officials is essential for public safety.

The next test of the siren system will be October 13 and 14 when the quarterly growl test takes place. Attached is a video of a growl test, which are much quieter than a siren activation, and are often not noticed by the public, but allow us to ensure operability. No action is required by the public during these tests.

Want to learn more? Visit ReadySLO.org/sirens

09/19/2026

Stop by and visit (and check out our new Command trailer) if you are at Sheriff’s Family Day today! At the Madonna Inn from 10:00 until 3:00 pm.

09/18/2026

This is only a test, no action required by the public!

FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission will test the Emergency Alert System nationwide on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, around 2:20 p.m. ET.

What to expect:
• Radio and TV programs will pause for about 1 minute to show the test message.
• You may hear the standard EAS tones.
• The message may be in English, Spanish, or both.
• Cell phones will not receive this test.
• No action is needed.

These tests help ensure emergency alerts work when they matter most.

Learn more: fema.gov/2026-national-test

09/14/2026

Good advice from the National Weather Service. It is important to have your vehicle ready at all times in case of emergency. Use the reminder now to prepare for the potentially wet winter headed our way if you don't already have a car kit! Learn more at: https://www.readyslo.org/prepare/family-preparedness/