This week, police, fire and emergency management leaders from throughout the region announced a new technology that will make emergency evacuation instructions more precise and efficient.

The new Genasys System will allow first responders to use more geographic boundaries when setting up evacuation zones and then directly notify people for that zone. Once danger has passed, the system will also make the process of getting people back home more efficient.

Before, first responders used a grid system to plan evacuations. Now, during an emergency, Carlsbad’s Police and Fire departments will use the new system to plan, conduct and communicate instructions to specific neighborhoods, called zones.

Carlsbad first responders have customized the zones based on their specific knowledge of our city and previous emergencies, like the 2014 Poinsettia Fire.