FAQs
I see smoke on a camera. What next?
ALERTCalifornia’s camera network is monitored by trained fire professionals at regional command and control centers across the state. Most fires within view of the cameras have already been reported, and some may be prescribed burns. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Most fires that are centered in the field of view and zoomed into are already confirmed.
- A fire start that is not zoomed into and/or centered in the frame has a good chance of being a new start.
- Check the time lapse feature. If you see the camera move to and zoom toward the fire, you know fire authorities are watching.
Do you have a user guide for the camera website?
Yes, you can download the PDF camera website user guide here.
What does it mean when a camera is “offline?”
A camera displays as offline or unavailable if it has not received a new image recently. This could be caused by many things, from a temporary delay in the feed, to operating in “winter mode,” or a camera may need maintenance. Our team is aware of all offline camera feeds and are actively working on them. Please do not email to let us know a camera is offline.
Why are some mountaintop cameras offline during the winter months?
During winter weather some cameras go into “winter mode” to save power. These cameras are not recording, but do have internal heaters to keep the electronics from completely freezing during cold winter weather. They will resume normal operations when the weather is warm enough.
Can I use your videos and screen grabs?
Yes, with credit. Our live feeds are open source and recordings and screen grabs are available to the public for non-commercial use with credit. Please reference our how to credit ALERTCalifornia guide here.
Who manages the camera network?
ALERTCalifornia is based at the University of California San Diego. The installation team, network managers, and research team are based at UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, Qualcomm Institute, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We also work with industry and university partners throughout California.
How do I get a first responder log-in?
First responder log-ins are reserved for emergency managers who have gone through training with ALERTCalifornia. The general public is not eligible for log-ins.
Can the general public move the cameras?
No, cameras are moved by trained first responders and emergency managers. The cameras periodically sweep their viewshed and may be strategically aimed to watch target areas. If you are unhappy with the camera direction, simply wait and it may be moved.
How do I request camera footage from your archive?
If you are the media, a scientist, partner, or work for a government agency please email us through our contact page. If you are a law firm or work for a legal office you must make a request through UC San Diego’s Policy and Records Administration portal.
Why aren’t there cameras in certain areas? How do you prioritize where cameras will go?
Camera sites are selected and prioritized according to a variety of factors including funding, tower availability, site access, and viewshed coverage. Our teams are working with local, regional, state and federal government agencies to strategically install new cameras year round. To see the map of current camera locations, visit our camera page.
I work for a federal, state, or local agency and am interested in adding cameras to my area. What should I do?
ALERTCalifornia works with many federal, state, and local agencies and we are happy to work together to add ALERTCalifornia cameras to your area to be used by emergency managers for natural hazard detection. Please reach out via our contact form and include your name, your organization, contact information, location, and details about your request.
Can I purchase a camera and have ALERTCalifornia mount and manage it through the network?
ALERTCalifornia works with state and local agencies to place new cameras in areas of greatest need. If you have an existing camera we cannot add that to ALERTCalifornia’s network. If you are a local or state agency please contact us with inquiries.
How do I become a partner?
Would you like to become an ALERTCalifornia partner? Learn more about the types of organizations we work with on our partners page. Please email alertcalifornianews@ucsd.edu with:
- Your name
- Phone number
- Organization name
- Organization website
- A few details about why you are interested in this partnership
Still have questions? Contact ALERTCalifornia.
