How do I sign up for the ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System?
The USGS issues ShakeAlert® Messages but alert delivery will come by other public and private means (internet, radio, television, cellular), including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) -- think of an AMBER Alert -- delivered by FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Alert delivery via the WEA system is available in California, Oregon, and Washington. To ensure that you can receive WEA alerts consult your cell phone instructions about receiving emergency alerts or contact your cell phone service provider.
Many USGS partners across California, Oregon, and Washington already use ShakeAlert Messages to enhance public safety. Water and gas utilities, transit systems, and emergency facilities like fire stations and hospitals alert staff to take a protective action such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On and trigger automated actions such as opening a fire house door so first responders can do their job.
There are several ways to get ShakeAlert-powered alerts on your cell phone. (Note: The USGS does not directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be provided, by these alert delivery providers.)
- The MyShakeTM app was developed by the UC Berkeley and is sponsored by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. MyShake is available for free in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores – more information is available here. MyShake is currently operating in California and Oregon.
- The QuakeAlertUSA app is a product of Early Warning Labs, LLC in collaboration with state and federal government agencies and academia. QuakeAlertUSA is available for free on the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores and is currently operating in California and Oregon. More information on QuakeAlertUSA.
- Google provides a ShakeAlert-powered earthquake alert feature that is integrated into the Android Operating System. This service is available in California, Oregon, and Washington on cell phones using the Android operating system.
The testing of alert delivery to cell phones began in California 2019, joined by Oregon and Washington in 2021. To learn more, visit the ShakeAlert website or follow USGS ShakeAlert on Twitter.
These products should not be confused with the USGS Earthquake Notification Service (ENS), which is a free, customizable service that sends out automated emails or texts whenever earthquakes occur in whatever area you designate. ENS is NOT an early warning system.
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ShakeAlert Infographic: Detect, Deliver, Protect
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A ShakeAlert Message is an early warning from a network system that detects significant earthquakes quickly enough so that alerts can be delivered to people and automated systems potentially seconds before shaking arrives. ShakeAlert Messages are a product of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS).
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ShakeAlert can protect people and
Alert Thresholds for ShakeAlert
Alert Delivery Thresholds used by ShakeAlert partners - The USGS issues ShakeAlert Messages but delivery of alerts will come by other public and private means (internet, radio, television, cellular), including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) delivered by FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
Earthquake Intensity Scale
Earthquake Intensity - Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity value assigned to a specific site after an earthquake has a more meaningful measure of severity to the nonscientist than the magnitude because intensity refers to the effects actually experienced at that place.
The lower numbers of the intensity
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ShakeAlert Steps
ShakeAlert Steps:
DETECTION AND PROCESSING (USGS)
Using sensors in the field, the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system DETECTS ground motion from an earthquake that has already begun and passes that information to a PROCESSING center. ShakeAlert quickly estimates the location, magnitude, and shaking intensity of the earthquake and if the event fits the
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Example ShakeAlert Message
A user of ShakeAlert™ receives a message like this on the screen of his computer. The message alerts the user to how many seconds before the shaking waves arrive at their location and the expected intensity of shaking at that site. The shaking intensity follows the Modified Mercalli scale; an intensity of VI, as shown here, would mean the shaking is felt by everyone,
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