How do I sign up for the ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System?
The USGS issues ShakeAlert® Messages, but those alerts are delivered by FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) via public and private means including internet, radio, television, cellular, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
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 proactive actions such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On. They also trigger automated actions such as opening a fire house door so first responders can do their job.
Two mobile apps that are powered by ShakeAlert are currently available to public users. All of the apps can be freely downloaded in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores:
- The MyShakeTM app was developed by UC Berkeley and is sponsored by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Learn more about MyShakeTM.
- The QuakeAlertUSA app is a product of Early Warning Labs, LLC in collaboration with state and federal agencies. Learn more about QuakeAlertUSA.
- In 2020, Google released an earthquake alert feature that is powered by ShakeAlert. This service is only available on wireless devices using the Android operating system.
(The USGS does not directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be provided, by these licensees)
The testing of alert delivery throughout California commenced in 2019. The USGS is working closely with partners in Washington and Oregon to expand public testing of ShakeAlert to those states in 2021.
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.
Learn more:
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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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