Frequently Asked Questions: AwareCA
Frequently Asked Questions: AwareCA
What is AwareCA?
AwareCA is a mobile app designed to help Californians stay informed about emergency-related activity near places they care about, such as home, work, or family locations.
What types of events does AwareCA show?
AwareCA may show events such as fires, hazmat incidents, and other emergency activities based on available incident information.
Is AwareCA an official emergency alert system?
AwareCA is a community informational awareness tool. Information is managed and vetted by local authorities. Always follow guidance from local authorities and official emergency alert systems.
How does AwareCA know what alerts to send me?
AwareCA sends alerts based on the “Locations of Interest” you add in the app and the notification distance you choose for each location.
Do I need to enable location tracking?
AwareCA is designed around the Locations of Interest you select and the notification distance you choose. The app may use your device’s location to determine whether an incident is near those locations and to send you relevant alerts. AwareCA does not continuously track your movements or store a history of everywhere you go.
Why did I get an alert that didn’t seem relevant?
Some incidents change quickly. Details such as location, type, or severity may be updated after the initial alert. You may also review the notification distance settings and refine if needed.
Why didn’t I get an alert for something nearby?
Not all incidents are available in every source, and some events may not meet alert criteria. Also, notification settings can affect whether you receive alerts.
How do I change the types of notifications I receive?
You can manage notification settings in the app, including which locations you follow, the incident types selected, notices/warnings selections and your notification preferences.
Is my personal information safe?
We take privacy seriously. AwareCA is designed to minimize the collection of personal data and to use it only for providing the service. For details, please review our Privacy Policy - Legal — Privacy Policy
Where is AwareCA available?
AwareCA is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Anyone with access to these stores will be able to download AwareCA.
Where can I access a Glossary of common terms?
A Glossary of the most commonly used terms in AwareCA can be found here: Glossary of Commonly Used Terms in AwareCA
What are the device requirements for AwareCA to work?
AwareCA requires an iPhone (6s or newer) running iOS 15.1+ or an Android device running 7.0+, with location services (GPS) enabled, push notifications turned on, and an active internet connection.
Is AwareCA free to use?
Yes. AwareCA is available to the public at no cost. There are no paid plans or pricing tiers, and all public app features are provided at no cost.
How many locations of interest can I add?
Each user can add up to 10 locations of interest.
What is a location of interest?
A location of interest is a place you choose to follow in the app, such as your home, work, school, family member's home, or another important location. Adding locations of interest helps you monitor incidents and alerts that may affect places you care about.
Do I need to create an account to use the app?
Users must log in using a Google or Apple account.
Where does the information in AwareCA come from?
Information in AwareCA is provided by participating public safety agencies and trusted emergency management partners. The app displays information that agencies choose to publish for public awareness.
How often is incident information updated?
Incident information is updated when the responsible agency publishes new information. Some incidents may be updated frequently, while others may only be updated when meaningful changes occur.
Why am I not seeing an incident or alert for my area?
AwareCA only displays incidents and alerts that are published by participating agencies. If you do not see information for your area, it may mean no public information has been published in the app, your area is not currently covered, or the incident has not been shared through AwareCA.
Can I share incident information with someone else?
Yes, incidents can be shared via text message, email, or most social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.).
Can I change my notification settings?
Yes. Users can manage notification preferences in the app by tapping settings and then notification preferences. Notification behavior may also depend on whether push notifications are enabled on the device.
Can I use AwareCA outside my immediate area?
Yes. Users can view available public information for supported areas within the state of California and add locations of interest in places they care about within the state, even if those locations are not where they currently are.
Is my personal data or location information sold or used for anything else?
No. AwareCA does not sell your personal data or location information. Your information is used only to support app functionality, such as helping provide relevant incident information, emergency alerts, and updates for locations you choose to follow.