California emphasizes seismic readiness with national first early warning system

Governor Gavin Newsome | Official website

Californians across the state are participating in an earthquake safety drill today, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems. The event coincides with the Great ShakeOut, an international drill that highlights preparedness measures for seismic activity. California's early warning system, a pioneering initiative in the United States, aims to provide residents with critical seconds to take protective actions before feeling tremors.

The annual Great ShakeOut occurs on October 17th, commemorating the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. This historical quake had a magnitude of 6.9 and resulted in significant casualties and damage.

Under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, California has expanded its network of ground motion sensors by fifty percent since launching the program in 2019. This enhancement aims to improve alert accuracy and speed.

Recent alerts from MyShake and other systems have successfully notified residents up to 35 seconds before experiencing tremors. Last month, this system alerted millions about a magnitude 4.7 quake near Malibu. In August, it provided warnings for a magnitude 5.2 quake affecting central and southern California.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated: “Al conmemorar hoy el 35.º aniversario del devastador terremoto de Loma Prieta, California nunca ha estado mejor preparado para proteger a los californianos cuando ocurre un terremoto grave."

In partnership with Google since 2020, California's technology is integrated into Android smartphones statewide. The system uses both app-based alerts and traditional methods like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to reach residents.

With over a 99 percent chance of experiencing another major earthquake within the next three decades, state officials continue efforts to educate citizens on preparedness through initiatives like Cal OES’s recent statewide tour featuring an earthquake simulator.

Residents can receive alerts via three primary methods: the MyShake app for smartphones; automatic subscriptions on updated devices; and WEA text messages for emergencies.

Further information on earthquake preparedness is available at earthquake.ca.gov and www.Shakeout.org/California.