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Inevitable

Building a Real-Time Wildfire Alert Platform with Watch Duty

Apr 3, 2025
John Mills, Co-founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a nonprofit that provides real-time wildfire alerts, shares his journey from Silicon Valley to building a vital public safety tool. He discusses the platform's success during the LA wildfires, highlighting how it enables first responders to communicate effectively. John emphasizes the importance of empathy in entrepreneurship and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit in disaster response. He also explores the necessity of innovative solutions outpacing government tech to enhance community safety during wildfire emergencies.
01:06:25

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Watch Duty emerged as a crucial tool for public safety, especially during major wildfires, by providing real-time alerts and updates.
  • The nonprofit model of Watch Duty allows it to remain ad-free and focused on community trust without profit motives, enhancing its credibility.

Deep dives

WatchDuty's Role in Emergency Communications

WatchDuty serves as a critical application for public safety, particularly during wildfire emergencies in the U.S. The app provides real-time notifications about fire spread, evacuations, and firefighting efforts, ensuring that users receive timely alerts when emergencies occur. Its significance was highlighted during major incidents like the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, where it gained immense popularity, even surpassing well-known apps. The platform not only aids residents but also supports the efforts of first responders by sharing vital information in a crisis.

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