***Current CWS Alerts***. If no alerts are listed, it usually means there are no active alerts or tests—or your browser may need to be refreshed. When multiple alerts are displayed, the most recent will appear at the top. If you receive an emergency alert, please follow the instructions provided.
Understanding the CWS Alert
The Community Warning System (CWS) is Contra Costa County’s official emergency alert system. CWS alerts may be issued at the request of County Officials—such as law enforcement, fire agencies, or the County Health Officer—to warn people in affected areas that they are, or may soon be, in danger and should take immediate protective action to protect life or health.
A CWS alert can provide basic information about the emergency and tells people what protective action they need to take. Examples of a protective action include: Shelter in Place, Prepare to Evacuate, Evacuate Immediately, Move to Higher Ground, or Stay Away from a Dangerous Area.
CWS is not used for advisory messages. Examples of advisory messages include traffic notifications, planned utility work notices, or non-actionable awareness messages.
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