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You watch the news and see the pictures of homes being threatened or burning due to wildfires. A month does not go by without a resident asking, "In case we have to evacuate where should we go?" e simple answer is SERT DOES NOT KNOW! Many factors play into the decision to evacuate and the order to evacuate will come from the San Diego County Emergency Management System or Oceanside Fire Department. e good news is that San Diego County Emergency Management has a website and a free app that you can download for either an Apple or Android device. e link to this download can be found on their website: https://www.readysandiego.org Once you download the app you can customize it to meet your needs. e app will send you notification if there is a wildfire, where it is located, what your status is for evacuation, where to go if the evacuation is ordered. It even provides you with a map so you can see where the fire is located, and the direction it is headed. When you do hear of a wildfire, and you start to see smoke, pay attention to the direction the smoke is blowing. is will provide an indication of the direction the fire is burning. If you see heavy smoke headed in your direction close your windows and doors and turn off your air conditioning. is will help to keep the smoke out of your house. en go to the SD Emergency app or website and see what is going on. If the fire is headed in our direction start to gather your "Go Bag" items and back your vehicle into the driveway in case the fire department issues an evacuation order. at way you are prepared to leave, and your vehicle is pointed in the right direction. e local authorities will direct traffic out of OHCC. Note: the evacuation order may be for specific streets within OHCC so do not leave unless instructed. is will lessen the number of vehicles on the road so those that must evacuate will be able to leave quickly. e app has been updated so it can also send you an alert if there is an earthquake within a specific radius of where you live and if it is greater than a certain magnitude. I have my app set for 5.0 or greater within 250 miles of my location. In that way, if there is a significant earthquake on the San Andres fault near Palm Springs and there is a potential that power lines, water, and gas pipelines being disrupted, I will get notified. is information will help me react accordingly and potentially lead to the activation of the SERT Emergency Response Team. Another app that I highly recommend is the American Red Cross First Aid app. At your fingertips is "how to" guidance to address first aid issues that may arise. It is easily searchable and provides information that you can immediately use. I encourage you to have these two apps downloaded to your computer and/or smart device in case of an emergency. Again, both apps are FREE! SERT is always looking for new members and for members that wish to become more involved. Membership is only $10 per year, per person. With your membership you are eligible for a FREE in-home safety survey and you can also register to enroll in the American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED class here at the clubhouse for only $60. SERT has six certified instructors. For more information visit our website at www.ohccsert.com. Everyone stay safe out there! 6 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2023 | By Tom Porter, President Apps to Help Face Emergencies