April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in California

Published: Apr 12, 2023

As California continues to lead the country in emergency management and disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is also home to Earthquake Warning California. With April as Earthquake Preparedness Month, we want you to be ready!

California is known for its frequent seismic activity. In just the past few weeks, Californians have experienced a handful of earthquakes in Salinas, Morgan Hill, Ferndale and San Diego to name a few.

That's why knowing what to do if an earthquake hits our community is essential because it's not if but when it happens.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

HOW TO RECEIVE ALERTS

To receive earthquake warnings, there are three ways for individuals and families to get alerts through the California Earthquake Early Warning System.

EARTHQUAKE WARNING CALIFORNIA

As California continues to harness the power of science and technology to help keep our communities safe, when it comes to earthquakes, seconds can save lives.

Californians can be proactive in their own readiness by learning about Earthquake Warning California, which provides preparedness tips and advance shaking notifications to Californians.

Warnings delivered through the system are based on a computerized program called ShakeAlert, operated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with Cal OES that analyzes data from seismic networks in California, calculates preliminary magnitudes, and then estimates which areas will feel shaking.

The California Earthquake Early Warning System marries a smartphone application with traditional alert and warning delivery methods such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The system uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them.

In addition to the emergency alerts sent to individuals through MyShake and Android, the underlying technology is also being used to automate protective actions such as slowing trains, opening firehouse doors, recalling elevators, shutting off water and gas valves as well as closing bridges gates and notifying personnel in school and medical settings.

In 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the deadly Loma Prieta earthquake, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the nation's first statewide Earthquake Early Warning System.

LEARN MORE

Join your neighbors in being prepared and aware of what to do when the next big earthquake occurs.

To download the MyShake app and for more earthquake preparedness tips, visit earthquake.ca.gov.