April is Earthquake Preparedness Month

Published on April 10, 2023

We know there are many things to be worried about, but with earthquakes, it is not a matter of if one will occur but when. Earthquake Warning California, is a statewide earthquake warning system that provides several seconds of warning to mobile device users in the area before shaking occurs. California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is encouraging residents to take the time to update their emergency plans and to download the MyShake app. So many things in life may catch us off guard, but now, earthquakes don’t have to!

Earthquake Warning California offers no-cost earthquake warning resources, including:

• MyShake app: A mobile app that can be downloaded for mobile devices at no-cost from Google Play and the Apple App Store. App location services must be set to “always on” so ground sensors can alert those in the nearby area when shaking is detected.
• Android Earthquake Alerts: An earthquake warning system available to any new or updated Android devices that uses that same technology as the MyShake app.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts: Text-like messages from the government during emergency situations. This includes: Presidential, Imminent Threat (fire, earthquake, floods, etc.), and AMBER alerts.

When an earthquake warning is issued from these sources, act quickly and take protective actions to stay safe, such as dropping to the ground, covering your head with your arms, and holding onto your neck with both hands until the shaking stops. Do not stand in doorways or near glass windows. Learn the steps to help you prepare for an earthquake.