At Wine Country to the Rescue, our mission has always been to support our local firefighters and the communities they protect. As part of our commitment to enhancing public safety and preparedness, we are proud to support Watch Duty, a vital tool created right here in our community to address the urgent need for real-time, reliable wildfire information.
Watch Duty: Born Out of Necessity
Watch Duty was born out of necessity by a dedicated member of our community who recognized the critical gap in accessible, accurate information during wildfire emergencies. Leveraging local expertise and a deep understanding of our region's challenges, this innovative app was developed to provide residents with the tools they need to stay informed and safe when every second counts.
Operated by passionate volunteers with backgrounds in firefighting, mapping, and emergency management, Watch Duty ensures that people receive timely updates, fire perimeter maps, and evacuation notices. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to solve problems and protect one another.
Why We Support Watch Duty
At Wine Country to the Rescue, we know the importance of reliable information during emergencies. Supporting Watch Duty aligns with our values of community protection and preparedness, empowering residents with the knowledge they need to make life-saving decisions. This tool is not only a lifeline during wildfire threats but also a resource for education and awareness year-round.
Partnering for a Safer Future
Supporting Watch Duty is just one way we work to enhance public safety in Sonoma County and beyond. Through our annual charity events, like our auction and dinner dance, we raise funds for initiatives that directly benefit local firefighters, first responders, and essential community safety programs. Watch Duty embodies the resilience and ingenuity of our region, and we’re proud to contribute to its ongoing success.
How You Can Help
You can join us in supporting Watch Duty by downloading the app and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same. Available for free on iOS and Android devices, it provides critical updates that help us stay informed, connected, and ready to act.
Thank You for Your Support
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Wine Country to the Rescue can fund vital initiatives like Watch Duty. Together, we are making a tangible difference in protecting lives and property while strengthening the resilience of our community.
For more information about Watch Duty or to learn how you can contribute to our mission, visit Wine Country to the Rescue and Watch Duty. Together, let’s continue building a safer, stronger future for our region.
January 2025 Update
As we move into 2025, Watch Duty has proven to be an indispensable tool in wildfire preparedness and response. With an impressive growth in its user base to 7.2 million by December 2024, the app has expanded its reach and continues to save lives by providing real-time updates on wildfire incidents.
New Users
During recent catastrophic wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, Watch Duty became the top app in Apple’s iOS store, gaining 600,000 new users overnight. This surge underscores the trust and reliance people place in the app for accurate and timely information.
Volunteer Run
Operated by a team of around 200 volunteers—many of whom are retired or active firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders—Watch Duty ensures unparalleled accuracy by monitoring radio scanners, official reports, and 911 dispatch calls. Its community-driven approach has allowed it to outpace traditional services like CalFire and InciWeb in providing critical updates.
Looking ahead, Watch Duty plans to expand its coverage to include other disaster types, such as floods and earthquakes, further solidifying its role as a comprehensive emergency preparedness tool. This aligns seamlessly with our mission at Wine Country to the Rescue to enhance community safety and resilience.
We encourage everyone to download Watch Duty and spread the word about this invaluable resource. Together, we can continue to strengthen our communities and ensure a safer future for all.
LA Times Story:Â https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-01-08/with-l-a-on-alert-wildfire-app-watch-duty-adds-600-000-users-overnight
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