As Fires Approached LA, Angelenos Turned to Watch Duty
Jan 19, 2025
auto_awesome
David Merritt, cofounder and CTO of Watch Duty, discusses how his app became the go-to resource for LA residents seeking real-time updates on wildfires. He shares the frustrating limitations of traditional emergency alerts and how community-driven information can empower individuals during crises. The conversation highlights the innovative balance of technology and human verification in disaster management, showcasing how Watch Duty transforms communication and safety in the face of emergencies.
The rise of Watch Duty illustrates a critical shift towards community-driven, real-time information sources during natural disasters like wildfires.
Users increasingly prefer apps like Watch Duty for timely updates over traditional methods, enhancing their ability to make informed safety decisions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Real-Time Information During Emergencies
During natural disasters like wildfires, having timely and accurate information is crucial for making informed decisions. Traditional sources of information, such as government alerts and news organizations, often lag in delivering updates, which can put lives at risk. This reliance on outdated methods highlights the need for platforms that provide real-time data. The emergence of apps like Watch Duty shifts the focus away from delayed public notifications, allowing users to receive immediate warnings and context about impending dangers.
The Evolution and Impact of Watch Duty
Watch Duty was developed after its co-founders experienced the challenges of tracking wildfires during a crisis. The app stands out by consolidating real-time information from diverse sources, including satellite data and user-generated reports, enhancing situational awareness. It allows users to receive updates not just on fire locations but also on related resources like evacuation zones and air quality. By serving as a dedicated service, Watch Duty meets a vital need that traditional emergency systems currently fail to address.
Trust and Community in Crisis Communication
The growth of Watch Duty underscores a shift in how communities seek and trust information during disasters. Users appreciate the app's accuracy and contextual data, which empowers them to make better safety decisions based on their proximity to incidents. The platform fosters a sense of community, with individuals sharing the app among friends and family members, highlighting its perceived reliability. Compared to conventional notification systems, Watch Duty provides a more personalized and effective method for staying informed during emergencies.
Looking for up-to-the-minute updates on where the fires are, LA residents have been turning to the app Watch Duty, rather than getting updates directly from the local or state government, or even local media.
Guests:
David Merritt, cofounder and CTO of Watch Duty
Alyssa Jeong Perry, LA-based producer for Slate.
Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.
Podcast production by Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth.