California’s Earthquake Warning System: A Comprehensive Look at ShakeAlert and MyShake

California has always been a hotspot for seismic activity, and the recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Kern County is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat. However, this time, many Californians were not caught off guard. Thanks to a pioneering early warning system, residents received alerts before the ground began to shake. This groundbreaking system, known as ShakeAlert, is managed by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and represents a significant leap forward in earthquake preparedness. ShakeAlert works in tandem with mobile apps like MyShake, which sends real-time alerts to users’ phones, providing them with precious seconds to take cover and protect themselves.

The effectiveness of ShakeAlert was demonstrated when over 517,000 alerts were sent through the MyShake app during the Kern County earthquake. Additionally, Google’s integration of alert software into their Android operating system extended the reach even further, ensuring that millions of people received timely warnings. Richard Allen, from UC Berkeley’s seismology lab, noted that some MyShake users in Los Angeles had up to 20-30 seconds of warning before the shaking started. While there will always be a small area around the epicenter where alerts may not reach in time, the system provides significant warning time for those further away, potentially saving countless lives.

The primary goal of the earthquake early warning system is to offer just enough warning to allow individuals to take protective actions. Josh Bashioum, founder and CEO of Early Warning Labs, collaborates with institutions like hospitals, schools, and transportation teams to use ShakeAlert data effectively. By determining the severity of the earthquake at specific locations, they can send customized alerts and take measures such as slowing down trains or making announcements at schools. This tailored approach ensures that the right actions are taken based on the intensity of the shaking experienced at each location.

Early Warning Labs has partnered with LA Metro, which has sensors in 27 locations, to gauge the intensity of shaking and trigger appropriate responses. The ShakeAlert team emphasizes the importance of utilizing all available technology for earthquake safety. Robert de Groot, the operations team leader, stresses that people need to be aware of living in earthquake-prone areas and should make use of any safety tools available. He also advises continuing traditional safety measures during earthquakes, such as dropping, covering, and holding on, or having disaster supply kits ready.

As more places incorporate ShakeAlert into their safety protocols, the system’s reach and effectiveness will continue to grow. The integration of alert software into Android smartphones by Google has significantly increased the system’s reach. Businesses, schools, and transportation teams are leveraging ShakeAlert to ensure the safety of their personnel and passengers. The hope is that people will continue to utilize all available safety tools and resources to protect themselves during future earthquakes. The few seconds of warning provided by ShakeAlert can make a substantial difference in ensuring safety during an earthquake.

The MyShake mobile app, developed by the University of California, Berkeley in collaboration with Caltech and the USGS, plays a crucial role in the early warning system. Funded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the app uses a network of sensors from the USGS to rapidly notify users when shaking is detected. Richard Allen, director of UC Berkeley’s Seismology Lab, likens the app’s ability to warn people of an earthquake to sorcery. These sensors can detect earthquakes before people feel the shaking, providing critical early warnings.

Despite its effectiveness, not all residents are aware of the MyShake app or have tried it. The app also collects data from users’ phones to aid in earthquake research, emphasizing the importance of contributions from app users to better understand earthquakes. While seismologists cannot predict major earthquakes, they urge the public to advocate for seismically safe buildings. Allen predicts that a major damaging earthquake will occur in California within his lifetime, highlighting the responsibility to ensure buildings are safe and won’t collapse during an earthquake. Collapsing buildings, rather than the earthquake itself, are often the cause of fatalities.

The MyShake app provides both earthquake alerts and the opportunity to contribute to research. Users appreciate the chance to give back while also receiving vital information. Though seismologists cannot predict earthquakes, they can work towards making communities more seismically safe. It is crucial for individuals to advocate for safer buildings to prevent loss of life during earthquakes. The integration of technology and smartphones into the early warning system represents a significant advancement in disaster response and preparedness.

California’s earthquake early warning system is the first of its kind in the nation. Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, the state has provided advance notification to millions of Californians. During the recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake, the system notified people up to 35 seconds before shaking began. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Lamont, CA, and was felt across central and southern California. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with local officials to address any issues or needs arising from the earthquake.

The state’s MyShake app sent 517,354 alerts to affected areas, and even more were received through a partnership with Google. Governor Newsom encourages Californians to download the app, stating that it can save lives. Following the earthquake, the app saw over 46,000 new downloads in just 12 hours. The technology is also being used to automatically take protective actions, such as opening firehouse doors and shutting off gas valves. Metrolink’s train system automatically generated a notice about the earthquake, showcasing the system’s practical applications.

Cal OES Director Nancy Ward stated that the system performed well and gave Californians valuable seconds of advance warning. In 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the system. In 2020, the state partnered with Google to integrate the technology into all Android smartphones. The alerts are powered by ShakeAlert, a program operated by the USGS in partnership with Cal OES. The system uses data from seismic networks and calculates preliminary magnitudes to estimate areas of potential shaking. Seismic network partners include the California Geological Survey and two university seismological laboratories.

The system combines a smartphone app with traditional alert methods, such as wireless emergency alerts (WEA). With the recent integration into popular smartphones, the system can reach most Californians. The state has increased the number of sensors since the launch, making the system more accurate and faster. To learn more about earthquake preparedness and download the MyShake app, residents are encouraged to visit the California Earthquake Early Warning website. This comprehensive approach ensures that Californians are better prepared for future earthquakes, potentially saving countless lives.