The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is encouraging Californians everywhere to be earthquake-prepared during Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month through the Earthquake Warning California campaign.
It’s always a good time to prepare for an earthquake. We know there are many things to be worried about, but when it comes to earthquakes, it is not a matter of if but when the next one will occur. Earthquakes can cause severe damage to infrastructure and can result in injuries and fatalities. There is no earthquake season - they can strike any time of year. Cal OES is encouraging Californians to take the time now to update their emergency plan, share any emergency preparedness lists with friends and family, and download free resources such as the MyShake App.
Many things in life may catch us off guard, but now, earthquakes don’t have to!
Earthquake Warnings are a Game Changer: Cal OES encourages residents to have a plan for how to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake. There are moments to act if you receive a warning or feel shaking. People can get a jump start before shaking can be felt. Take protective actions such as DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON (or LOCK, COVER, and HOLD ON if using a wheelchair).
There may be circumstances where a warning is issued, but no shaking occurs. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to earthquakes. We encourage you to share this information with friends and family in California to help spread the word about the technology available to help keep them safe.
Here are some of the ways to receive earthquake warnings:
- MyShake App. An app that can be downloaded for mobile devices at no cost from Google Play and the Apple App Store. App users can set up a “HomeBase” location to receive earthquake warnings without having location services turned on.
- Android Earthquake Alerts. Included in new or updated Android devices, the system uses the same technology as the MyShake App.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Text-like messages from the government during emergency situations. This includes Presidential, Imminent Threats (fire, earthquake, floods, etc.), and AMBER alerts.
When an earthquake warning is issued from any of these sources, you should 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.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) encourages residents to have a plan for how to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake. There are moments to act if individuals receive a warning or feel shaking. There may be circumstances where a warning is issued, but no shaking occurs. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to earthquakes. We encourage California residents to share this information with friends and family to help spread the word about the technology available to help keep them safe.
Please visit earthquake.ca.gov to learn more about the latest tools and resources and how to use them.
You can also sign up for a regular partner e-newsletter on the website from Cal OES that includes the latest news and information about Earthquake Warning California.