News & Press
NEWS AND OUTREACH MATERIALS FROM EARTHQUAKE WARNING CALIFORNIA
Latest News
Morocco earthquake is a warning for California: Weak brick buildings can become deathtraps
Los Angeles Times – September 12, 2023
…The hard-hit ancient city of Marrakech, founded a millennium ago, might seem half a world away from California.
But the destruction wrought by weak brick structures breaking apart, unable to withstand seismic activity, is
something with which California must also grapple.
It’s impossible to predict exactly when and where an earthquake will strike
Verify – September 5, 2023
Many people who live on the West Coast have heard that a large earthquake known as “the big one” is coming, but
no one knows exactly when it will strike.
‘My Shake’ app sends an alert seconds before an earthquake strikes
KSBY San Luis Obispo – August 23, 2023
Earthquakes aren’t uncommon for Californians. “It’s common,” said Shell Beach resident Kathie Merlo. I’ve felt
them here. I felt them in San Diego.” A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Ojai in Ventura County just days
ago, serving as a reminder about the importance of prevention before a disaster.
Earthquake Insurance Policies Are About To Change In California
KQED – August 22, 2023
On Sunday, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake rattled much of Southern California. It didn’t cause much damage or
injury, but the quake was a reminder that a far more costly temblor can hit at any time. That got us thinking
about earthquake insurance and we found out that the California Earthquake Authority, which administers quake
coverage in the state, is making some big changes to earthquake policies.
How to set up earthquake alerts on your phone
KTLA – August 22, 2023
Did you get an earthquake alert on your phone Sunday? There are several ways to make sure they’re delivered to
your smartphone. Here’s how. First off, there are two types of earthquake alerts: early warning alerts and
notifications that an earthquake just happened.
3 interesting facts about earthquakes in California
KGET Bakersfield – August 14, 2023
Earthquakes are part of life in California. If you live in the Golden State for any significant period of time,
you are likely to experience several of them.
APTS Receives Grant from Cal OES to Deliver Earthquake Early Warnings Throughout California
APTS – August 7, 2023
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the California Governor’s
Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to provide an earthquake early warning alert system across the State of
California. The 19-month grant will finance alert operations for 11 California public television stations and
will be administered by APTS, based in Arlington, VA.
Study shows California can learn from Turkey’s devastating earthquake
KPBS – August 7, 2023
February’s massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were what seismologists call a doublet. The first time the
ground shifted the rupture was 300 kilometers long at a magnitude of 7.8. Just nine hours later the second one
occurred and it was half as long but almost as powerful. That timing multiplied the tragedy as many people
entered buildings after the first earthquake to try to save people and possessions.
Caltech researchers say fiber optic cables can detect, measure earthquakes
Pasadena Star News – August 2, 2023
Thousands of miles of fiber-optic cables, already in place across California, can shake up the study of
earthquakes. New research out of Caltech used a section of telecommunication fiber to sense and measure a
magnitude 6 earthquake, repurposing the assemblies to extract sharper details about the temblor.
Shake it off: Can Swifties really register on earthquake sensors?
CBS 13 Sacramento – July 28, 2023
The Taylor Swift concerts in Santa Clara on Friday and Saturday are not only being watched by thousands of fans,
they’re also being monitored by seismologists.
What California can learn about earthquake safety from Santa Monica
Los Angeles Times – July 7, 2023
Santa Monica has emerged as a leader in California earthquake safety, retrofitting more than half of its
seismically vulnerable buildings.
Will your home survive a major quake? Free cash from California can help
Los Angeles Times – June 23, 2023
With more than a million California houses in need of seismic retrofitting, the California Earthquake Authority
and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services launched a program 10 years ago to cover at least part of the
cost of shoring up the foundations of older homes in earthquake zones.
Four Things California Can Do as Home Insurers Retreat
San Jose Inside – June 22, 2023
…If a company is trying to figure out how much it should charge for earthquake coverage, it would look at
proximity to fault lines, Frazier said, but for wildfire insurance, California doesn’t do that.
Why hasn’t L.A. seen a big San Andreas quake recently? Researchers find a clue
Los Angeles Times – June 9, 2023
It’s a riddle that has both blessed California and still raises worries for the future: Why hasn’t L.A. seen a
big San Andreas earthquake in generations? And what does that mean when it does come?
What triggers an earthquake and how are they measured? A California physicist answers
Sacramento Bee – May 12, 2023
On Thursday afternoon, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled Northern California, its epicenter at Lake Almanor in
northwestern Plumas County. The aftershock struck at 3:18 a.m. Friday and had a magnitude of 5.2.
Earthquakes shake northern California including strong aftershock
Associated Press – May 12, 2023
Earthquakes have rattled a large area of northern California this week, including a strong aftershock shake
early on Friday. Only minor damage was immediately reported.
USGS tracking chances of another major earthquake in California
ABC 10 Sacramento – May 12, 2023
A moderate earthquake and a large aftershock have rocked Northern California in the last 24 hours.
M5.4 earthquake strikes north of Chico
ABC 10 Sacramento – May 11, 2023
A preliminary magnitude 5.4 earthquake has struck north of Chico, California, Thursday.
Plumas County resort closes through Friday morning due to earthquake aftermath
ABC 10 Sacramento – May 11, 2023
Plumas County businesses are cleaning up damage left behind by the magnitude 5.5 earthquake that hit the area
near Lake Almanor Thursday afternoon.
5.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Northern California
KCRA Sacramento – May 11, 2023
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake was reported Thursday afternoon in the Plumas County area but could be felt across
Northern California.
Watch: Here’s when a quake struck Northern California during our newscast
KCRA Sacramento – May 11, 2023
The KCRA 3 News at 4 p.m. was live on the air when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook Northern California on
Thursday.
5.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Northern California
Fox 40 Sacramento – May 11, 2023
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck in Northern California Thursday afternoon around 4:19 p.m., with the shaking
felt at least as far away as Sacramento.
“Glass was flying”: Plumas County businesses clean up after 5.5-magnitude earthquake
CBS 13 Sacramento – May 11, 2023
… Office of Emergency Services said he knew the shaker was coming just moments before thanks to a notification
from the “MyShake” app.
Did you feel it? Earthquake rattles Northern California. Here’s where it was located BY DANIEL HUNT UPDATED MAY
11, 2023 4:50 PM
Sacramento Bee – May 11, 2023
A mild earthquake, with an initial magnitude measuring 5.4, rattled parts of Northern California on Thursday
afternoon.
Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Northern California, felt in San Francisco
SFGate – May 11, 2023
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 struck Northern California on Thursday afternoon, with shaking
reportedly felt in parts of the Bay Area and as far south as San Francisco.
If you didn’t get an alert on MyShake app before, during or after Tuesday’s 4.5 earthquake, here’s why |
abc7news.com
KGO San Francisco – April 5, 2023
Tuesday’s
earthquake was centered near Hollister but it was felt across much of the region. Many voiced their
frustrations online about not getting a ShakeAlert update about the quake on their phone.
characteristics as the ones in California, CalOES Emergency Services Seismic Hazrds Branch, Jose Lara, provides
a list of important earthquake preparedness actions that Californians can take, including downloading the
MyShake App.
weather-related applications to have on your phone, for its ability to provide users with seconds of warning
before the shaking of an earthquake arrives.
preparedness tips including establishing evacuation routes, learning how to drop, cover, and hold on, and
downloading the MyShake App.
outlines changes in California’s infrastructure to become more earthquake resistant, including the
implementation of the earthquake early warning system and the creation of the MyShake App.
6.4-magnitude
earthquake hits Northern California
NBC News – December 20, 2022
Earthquake impacting Humboldt County measured at 6.4-magnitude. Residents alerted with MyShake
2 hurt, ‘widespread
damages’ after 6.4 earthquake in Humboldt County;
ABC News – December 20, 2022
Earthquake impacting Humboldt County measured at 6.4-magnitude. Residents alerted with MyShake
Opinion:
Bay Area October temblor reminds of need to retrofit houses
Mercury News – November 15, 2022
Opinion piece, urges need for residents to prepare their homes for earthquakes like currently done for fires and
covers the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program
Californians
need to prepare their homes for the next big one
Pasadena Star News – November 14, 2022
Opinion piece, written by California State Senator, Anthony Portantino addressing importance of the MyShake App
and the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program
First-in-the-nation
earthquake warning system notified the Bay Area
Our Weekly LA – November 3, 2022
California’s first-in-the-nation Earthquake Early Warning System, implemented under Gov. Gavin Newsom, provided
advanced notification to more than 2.2 million Californians before shaking started for the 5.1 magnitude
earthquake that was felt throughout the Bay Area Oct. 25.
KGET NBC – October 28, 2022
Coverage on success of MyShake App in notifying more than 2 million users.
California’s
earthquake warning system notified 2.2 million people of Bay Area quake
MSN /Lake County Recorder Bee – October 28, 2022
Advanced notifications provided up to 19 seconds, in many locations, for Californians to take protective action
to “drop, cover, and hold on” and stay safe during the earthquake.
California
Warned 2.2 Million People Via Phone Alerts Before Earthquake Hit
CNET – October 28, 2022
Coverage of the 5.1 San Jose earthquake with CalOES’ Brian Ferguson
KION CBS – October 28, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara discussing MyShake alerts as important to families and residents following the 5.1 San Jose
earthquake.
California’s Earthquake Warning
and Detection System
KNVN NBC, October 26, 2022
CalOES’ Lori Nezhura addresseing the 5.1 earthquake and using the MyShake app.
California
debuts earthquake early warning system
CBS Sacramento – October 27, 2022
The state’s first-in-the nation earthquake warning system was able to notify 2.2 million people of the San Jose
earthquake earlier this week. Segment featuring CalOES’ Jose Lara.
5.1 Earthquake in San Jose
with KTVU
KTVU Fox, October 26, 2022
Interview with CalOES’ Brian Ferguson noting San Jose quake gave residents 2-18 seconds advance notice before
shaking.
Using “MyShake” App to
Prepare for Earthquakes
KRON-TV, October 26, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara discussing the early warning provided by MyShake and importance of protective action.
KION CBS, October 26, 2022
CalOES’ Lori Nezhura shared how more than 95,000 people were alerted to a moderate to large earthquake giving
precious seconds and minutes of warning via the MyShake app.
Nearly
100,000 Bay Area residents were alerted about earthquake seconds before they felt it
KTVU Fox, October 25, 2022
CalOES’ Brian Ferguson addresses the 5.1 magnitude earthquake in San Jose and how the MyShake app functions.
Cal
OES Provides Updates on Earthquakes Felt in the South Bay
NBC Bay Area, October 25, 2022
Cal OES’ Brian Ferguson provides an update on the 5.1 and 3.1 quakes that rattled the South Bay and gives
recommendations on how to prepare for earthquakes.
KSWB Fox – October 20, 2022
CalOES’ Yvette LaDuke shares details one the Great ShakeOut and shake simulator
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill
San Diego
KGTV ABC – October 20, 2022
CalOES’ Derek Lambeth discusses importance of earthquake safety and preparedness.
Great California ShakeOut
Drill
KNSD NBC – October 20, 2022
Coverage on the San Diego stop of the ShakeOut tour.
KNX-AM – October 19, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara radio interview on how to prepare for earthquakes and steps to take in the event of an
earthquake.
Great California ShakeOut
Tour – Los Angeles
KTTV FOX – October 19, 2022
Coverage of shake simulator in Los Angeles
Earthquake Simulator in Downtown
LA Today
KABC – October 19, 2022
Coverage of Great ShakeOut tour simulator in Los Angeles
Great California ShakeOut Tour
Stops in Bakersfield
KERO-ABC – October 18, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara describes importance of earthquake preparedness.
Great California ShakeOut –
Downtown Bakersfield
KBFX FOX – October 18, 2022
Coverage on ShakeOut stop in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield Stop – Earthquake
Simulator
KGET NBC – October 18, 2022
Coverage on ShakeOut Tour stop in Bakersfield, CA
Earthquake Simulator Makes Cal
Poly Stop
KSBY NBC – October 17, 2022
CalOES’ Derek Lambeth reminds residents to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at San Luis Obispo ShakeOut tour stop.
Earthquake Simulator Will Teach
People About Earthquakes
KRON – October 13, 2022
Coverage on the Bay Area stop of the ShakeOur Tour and interviews with residents.
Earthquake Simulator Tour –
Menlo park
KTVU FOX – October 13, 2022
CalOES’ Derek Lambeth discussing earthquake preparedness and purpose of simulator.
7.0 Earthquake Simulator – Menlo
Park
KNTV – NBC – October 13, 2022
Coverage on Bay Area stop of ShakeOut tour
Great
California Shakeout Tour – Menlo Park
KPIX – CBS – October 13 ,2022
Coverage on Bay Area stop of ShakeOut tour and interview with CalOES’ Derek Lambeth
Earthquake Simulator for
Disaster Preparedness – Sacramento
KTXL FOX – October 12, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara discusses the ShakeOut tour and MyShake app functions.
Earthquake Simulator – Museum of
Science and Curiosity
KMAX CBS- Good Day – October 12, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara interview at Sacramento ShakeOut tour stop.
Earthquake Simulator – Great
ShakeOut
KCRA 3, October 12, 2022
CalOES’ Jose Lara sharing preparedness information at ShakeTour stop in Sacramento.
Extreme Earthquake Experience –
Great California Shakeout Tour
KHSL CBS, October 10, 2022
Announcement regarding start of Shakeout Tour.
Experts
Warn Larger, More Extensive Earthquake Could Hit the Bay Area
NBC Bay Area, September 14th, 2022
California’s Early Warning Alert notified 400,000 people of the 4.4 magnitude Santa Rosa earthquake.
How
Well Did the Early Warning System Work During North Bay Quake
NBC Bay Area, September 14th, 2022
NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai spoke to Jose Lara, seismic hazards branch manager of the California OES, about the
early warning system that seemed to work well.
Bay Area Rapid Transit, August 16th, 2022
BART developed technology that leverages the U.S. Geological Survey-managed ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning
(EEW) System, which was built through partnerships with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
(Cal OES), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Berkeley Seismology Lab.
Get
ready to be shaken at the Humboldt County Fair
Times-Standard, August 13th, 2022
The California Office of Emergency Services (OES) to bring the State’s Shake Trailer to the Humboldt County Fair
August 18 – August 21.
Cal
OES earthquake simulator gives earth-shaking demonstration
KRON4, April 10th, 2022
With Salinas being the last stop on the Shake Simulator Tour, KION456 stopped by the tour to get more
information on how to be prepared in the event of the unexpected. KION546 spoke with Cal OES about tips and ways
to prepare for a violent earthquake.
Earthquake
simulator stopping at UC Berkeley today
KRON4, April 8th, 2022
KRON 4 stopped by the UC Berkley during the Shake Simulator event and sat down with Cal OES Seismic Hazards
Branch Manager Jose Lara. The Shake Simulator tour reminds Californians about the dangers of earthquakes and the
measures they can take to prepare.
Earthquake simulator
shakes up downtown LA
FOX 11 Los Angeles, April 5th, 2022
Fox 11 stops by the Union Station Shake Simulator event, giving people the chance to test how ready they are for
“the big one.” Cal OES Seismic Hazards Branch Manager Jose Lara discusses ways people can be prepared.
Earthquake
simulator comes to Union Station in downtown LA
KGTV – San Diego Scripps (ABC10), April 5th, 2022
CBS Los Angeles stopped by the Shake Simulator Tour at Union Station to discuss how Angelenos can be prepared
for the unexpected with Cal OES Seismic Hazards Branch Manager Jose Lara. CBS Los Angeles is encouraging
Angelenos to download the MyShake App.
Earthquake
simulator shakes up Balboa Park
KGTV – San Diego Scripps (ABC10), April 4th, 2022
KGTV Stops by the Shake Simulator tour in Balboa Park to help educate the people of San Diego on how to be
prepared. Cal OES Seismic Hazards Branch Manager Jose Lara discussed ways San Diegans could prepare and stay
ready for an unexpected earthquake.
Simulator
Held to Prep for Earthquakes
KNSD-SD (NBC 7), April 4th, 2022
Cal OES Seismic Hazards Branch Manager Jose Lara discussed with KNSD San Diego on how families can be prepared
during an unexpected earthquake. KNSD San Diego encourages families to download the MyShake App and come up with
a plan to be prepared.
Bay
Area Earthquakes: How to Prepare and What to Pack in an Emergency Kit
NBC Bay Area, March 3rd, 2022
Scientists predict a big earthquake could hit the Bay Area at any moment, according to a new report. Here’s how
to prepare for the next big one.
Nate Ortiz
discusses Resolve to be Ready and Earthquake Preparedness with North Coast News
ABC 7 KRCR/ North Coast News, Feb 7th, 2022
Cal OES Assistant Director of Preparedness Nate Ortiz sits down with KRCR North Coast News to discuss ways
Californians can be ready for unexpected disasters. As Resolve to be Ready wraps up, Nate discusses the free
resources Californians can use to be prepared against earthquakes by producing an emergency preparedness plan
and including the MyShake App.
Lori Nezhura discusses Resolve to be Ready and Earthquake Preparedness
with KTVU Fox 2
KTVU Fox 2, Jan 11, 2022
Lori Nezhura deputy director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention for Cal OES sits down with KTVU Fox 2 to
discuss ways Californians can be ready for unexpected disasters. With January as Resolve to be Ready month, Lori
talks about tips Californians can make to be more prepared against earthquakes by coming up with an emergency
preparedness plan and including the MyShake App.
Cal OES discusses disaster preparedness, Resolve to Be Ready
KTXL, Jan. 5, 2022
January is Resolve to be Ready Month, and the California Office of Emergency Services is reminding everyone to
be ready for disasters. Lori Nezhura, the deputy director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention for Cal OES, joined Mae to share tips.
Californians
“Get Ready to ShakeOut” this Thursday, October 21!
PR Newswire, Oct. 21, 2021
This Thursday October 21 is International ShakeOut Day! In California, more than 7.5 million people and counting
are registered to practice “Drop,
Cover and Hold On,” the best way to protect yourself in an earthquake. Throughout 2021, many ShakeOut participants
have also planned to secure
items that could fall or fly, assemble
disaster kits, update
insurance policies and/or consider retrofits, and more as a part of the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
Great
California ShakeOut: Offices, businesses, schools to participate in statewide earthquake
drill
ABC7, Oct. 20, 2021
People in government offices, businesses and schools throughout Southern California will stop everything for a
minute Thursday to “drop, cover and hold on” during a statewide earthquake preparedness drill, now in its 13th
year. The Great California ShakeOut of 2021 is scheduled for 10:21 a.m. More than 7.5 million Californians are
slated to participate in the drill, according to the ShakeOut website.
Habrá
simulacro de terremoto en California este jueves y así puedes participar en él
Univision, Oct. 20, 2021
La organización El Gran ShakeOut de California organiza un simulacro para este jueves en la mañana, encaminado a
que la población del estado dorado se encuentre lista para enfrentar un terremoto de gran escala en el futuro.
En conjunto con la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia de California ( Cal OES), darán una alerta este jueves a
las 10:21 AM a través de la aplicación MyShake de Earthquake Warning California, como prueba para un terremoto de alta magnitud.
The
Great California ShakeOut of 2021 is on Thursday
Spectrum News 1, October 20, 2021
California has a statewide earthquake early warning system that sends emergency alerts to people’s smartphones.
People can receive alerts by downloading the MyShake App at https://apple.co/3CwyKQc for iPhones
During
Thursday’s Great Shakeout, San Diegans Will Prep for the ‘Big One’
NBC7 San Diego, October 20, 2021
Californians can sign up for the MyShake App to receive a test earthquake warning. The free app
is available at Apple
App and Google
Play. Wireless no-cost text messages for emergency situations alerts are also available.
Residents
encouraged to participate in ShakeOut earthquake preparedness day
Santa Monica Daily Press, October 20, 2021
On October 21st at 10:21am, Californians across the state will participate in International ShakeOut Day, an
annual opportunity to practice earthquake safety actions. Santa Monica’s Office of Emergency Management
encourages all households and businesses to participate in the ShakeOut. Make October 21st a day to review your
emergency plan, start or refresh a disaster kit, or even just practice the three easy earthquake safety steps –
Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
KPRL – Sound Off – August 2, 2021
Cal OES’ Jon Gudel was interviewed about the MyShake App and earthquake warning system for the Central Coast
“Sound Off” public affairs program with host, Jaime Umphenour.
Cal OES on how schools can prepare for earthquakes,
disasters
California School Boards Association – July 26, 2021
Earthquake Warning California is the first statewide warning system
available in the nation that can give residents seconds to take cover prior to experiencing shaking, according
to the department. The system for the west coast, including California, Oregon and Washington, is called
ShakeAlert. Lori Nezhura, deputy director of planning, preparedness and prevention at Cal OES, explained how the
system works through sensors in the ground that detect earthquakes and “send data to processing centers [that]
send that data analysis out through various modalities to alert people.” There are three ways for people to
receive alerts via handheld devices: the MyShake app, Android earthquake alerts and wireless emergency alerts.
The alerts were created to give people the opportunity to “drop, cover and hold on” in advance of an earthquake.
What
ShakeAlert warning system got wrong — and right — about this week’s 6.0 quake in California
Mercury News – July 9, 2021
After more than a decade in development, the system is finally a reality for tens of millions of West Coast
residents. Public use started in October 2019. There are three apps available: the U.S. Geological Survey’s
ShakeAlert, University of California, Berkeley’s MyShake and Early Warning Labs’s QuakeAlertUSA. California
authorities can also issue alerts via text message, through the Amber Alert-style Wireless Emergency System,
which does not require downloading an app or having a smartphone.
The earthquake warnings are possible because when a fault slips, it generates two kinds of waves. The initial
waves travel fast but are weak. It’s the second set of waves that are so damaging.
When seismic sensors detect the first waves, they quickly send alerts to monitoring centers in Seattle, Menlo
Park, Berkeley and Pasadena, California. Within about 5 seconds, computer algorithms analyze the data to rapidly
identify the epicenter and strength of the earthquake and decide whether the temblor will be powerful enough to
warrant an alert.
The system detects earthquakes as low as magnitude 3.5. Alerts are sent when a magnitude hits 4.5. The Amber
Alert-style alarm goes off when a magnitude reaches 5.
Inside
Cal OES For Aftermath of California Quake
CBS 13 Sacramento – July 8, 2021
The Office of Emergency Services got to working tracking the aftermath of the magnitude 6 quake that hit Mono
County.
California
Earthquakes Latest: Cal OES talks magnitude 6 earthquake in Northern California
ABC 10 KXTV – July 8, 2021
Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness, and Prevention, Lori Nezhura, at Cal OES discusses the earthquakes that
hit Northern California.
‘Very
normal’ | What to know about the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that rattled Northern California
ABC 10 KXTV – July 8, 2021
Dr. Angela Chung, an earthquake expert, breaks down why this quake was nothing too out of the ordinary. Dr. Angela
Chung, a project scientist at the Berkeley Seismology Lab, says the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that rattled parts of
Northern California Thursday was nothing too out of the ordinary.
5.9 Earthquake Hits California Nevada Border, Multiple Aftershocks Reported
Newsweek – July 8, 2021
The USCS sends “Shake Alert” warning messages through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System when
available. Alternatively, users with the MyShake app installed on their phones receive alerts about earthquake
activity in their area if it has reached a certain threshold. Several MyShake app users posted screenshots of their
alerts to Twitter today in response to a @USGS_ShakeAlert tweeted request.
Magnitude 6.0 earthquake, aftershocks strike California-Nevada border, felt throughout Bay Area
KTVU FOX 2 – July 8, 2021
Several earthquakes struck along the California-Nevada state line Thursday afternoon. California’s MyShake app
alert, an early earthquake warning system for mobile devices, was launched in 2019. Officials said the system was
working and that alerts did go out.
Visalia rocked by afternoon earthquake on California-Nevada border
Visalia Times-Delta – July 8, 2021
Residents of Visalia and the San Joaquin Valley felt an earthquake Thursday afternoon, but where did it come from?
Lima advises the community to download the MyShake app for pre-alerts and notifications on earthquakes around the
county. For more information on how to download and use the app, you can visit earthquake.ca.gov/get-alerts
KEYT News Channel 3 Ridgecrest Anniversary
KEYT (ABC, Fox, CBS) News – July 6, 2021
It’s been two years since the Ridgecrest earthquakes rocked southern California. The magnitude six point four and
seven point one earthquakes struck on July 4th and 5th east of Bakersfield in Kern County. Cal Poly earthquake
experts say it’s always important to be ready. They say everyone should be prepared to be without power, gas, water,
and communication for at least 72 hours. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services also encourages everyone to
download the MyShake app for earthquake early warning alerts.
Cal Poly earthquake experts provide safety tips amid two year anniversary of Ridgecrest earthquake
KEYT (ABC) Online – July 5, 2021
The Governor’s office of emergency services also encourages Central Coast residents to download the MyShake app for
earthquake early warning alerts.
“Those are not predictors of earthquakes,” said Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness, and Prevention California
Governor’s Office of Emergency Service Lori Nezhura. “They just sense the shaking and give moments of advance notice
depending on the epicenter of the earthquake.”
The Big One Is Coming To Southern California. This Is Your Survival Guide
LAist – June 14, 2021
If you have a cell phone in California you will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts from Cal OES on your phone. These
alerts look like text messages but are accompanied by a loud, unique sound (i.e. those Amber Alert messages you get
every so often) in order to get your attention.
Japan and Mexico have earthquake early-warning systems. How does California’s compare?
LA Times – June 12, 2021
Right now, the alerts can get to you fastest if you’ve downloaded an app on a smartphone, such as the MyShake app
developed by UC Berkeley or the QuakeAlertUSA app by Santa Monica-based Early Warning Labs. Google’s Android
cellphone software system is automatically linked up to the earthquake early warning system, but no such feature
exists for iOS on Apple devices.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake – 5 safety basics can protect people and property
Consumer Reports – May 31, 2021
If you live in a quake-prone area, it’s wise to know the skills and steps that can keep you and your property safe.
And if you’ll be traveling there, it’s good to know some safety basics—just in case. (…)Make sure your
smartphone’s Wireless Emergency Alerts are on. If you are in California or Oregon, download one of the free MyShake
or QuakeAlertUSA apps, which are designed to deliver alerts seconds before humans feel the ground shake, giving you
extra time to shelter. They’re available on Android phones and iPhones. Check CR’s other tips on preparing your
electronics for a natural disaster.
The Big One Is Coming To Southern California. This Is Your Survival Guide
LAist – June 14, 2021
If you have a cell phone in California you will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts from Cal OES on your phone. These
alerts look like text messages but are accompanied by a loud, unique sound (i.e. those Amber Alert messages you get
every so often) in order to get your attention. The governor of California will first declare a state of emergency.
Then the President will then confirm or deny the disaster declaration. Once confirmed, you will then hear
proclamations pretty much everywhere there is power through Cal OES’s Emergency Alert System.
Earthquake apps: Which ones are worth downloading?
Los Angeles Times – June 12, 2021
Apps cannot predict when and where an earthquake will strike, but there is a relatively new early warning system for
the U.S. West Coast. Those warnings will come through an app called MyShake.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced MyShake as a statewide earthquake early warning app in 2019. It was developed
at UC Berkeley and is available in English and Spanish. Simple and easy to use, the app has a self-reporting feature
and very specific filters that allow users to watch only certain areas, which is great for keeping the number of
notifications reasonable. If you have room for only one, this is the earthquake app for Southern Californians.
Verdict: Download
Counting bees, growing trees: How people’s efforts build back environments
The Christian Science Monitor – May 25, 2021
More than 50 million people living in the most earthquake-prone region of the country now have access to the early
alerts, which are issued automatically to Android operating systems or through a number of mobile apps, such as
MyShake and QuakeAlertUSA. The U.S. Geological Survey is also working to complete its seismic station network by
late 2025, adding sensors to rural parts of the West Coast and ultimately improving alert times.
Don’t Wait for the Ground to Shake: Prepare for Earthquakes Before They Happen
Cal OES Newsroom – May 24, 2021
Give yourself vital seconds to prepare before any shaking starts. To receive earthquake warnings, download the MyShake App and ensure phone
settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts, including:
- MyShake App: Free smartphone app that provides iPhone and Android users with audio and visual warnings
[magnitude 4.5 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity III (weak) shaking]. Available in the Apple App and Google Play stores; - Android Earthquake Alerts: Android phones with updated operating systems are automatically subscribed to
Android Earthquake Alerts, which uses the same technology as the MyShake App; and - Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): No-cost text messages for emergency situations [magnitude 5.0 or higher
and Modified Mercalli Intensity IV (light) shaking].
3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes San Jose, South Bay
CBS KPIX – June 3, 2021
A small earthquake struck in San Jose Thursday morning, shaking a wide area of the South Bay. The U.S. Geological
Survey said the quake had a 3.6 magnitude and struck at 5:15 a.m. about five miles east of the Alum Rock
neighborhood and a few miles northeast of Mount Hamilton. Many residents received a MyShake App alert prior to
shaking warning them to drop, cover, and hold on.
Truckee quake gives CA’s early earthquake warning app first real test
KCRA – May 7, 2021
An earthquake Thursday night was large enough to trigger shake alert warnings on people’s smartphones in Northern
California. The alerts are part of an earthquake warning system that are sent out when quakes reach magnitude 4.5 or
higher and are designed to give people time to take cover.
“It was actually the first time that we’ve been able to use, on this scale, California’s earthquake early warning
system,” said California Office of Emergency Services spokesperson Brian Ferguson.
The early warning system goes through the MyShake app, which California first rolled out in October of 2019.
‘Earthquake country’: State agencies highlight quake preparedness
KTXL (Fox40) – May 7, 2021
With the small earthquakes, some wonder if they are a precursor to something a bit larger in the future.
“It’s hard to say. I mean, any small earthquake could develop into or trigger a larger earthquake,” Dawson said. “It
doesn’t happen that often, it’s very rare, but it can happen.”
That’s why the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is glad to have been the first to launch an
earthquake early warning system.
“Last night was actually one of the first significant opportunities we’ve had to utilize it,” said Brian Ferguson,
“If you were in San Francisco last night, you would have gotten 15 or 20 seconds of warning of this earthquake that
was near Truckee.”
The early warning system is available through the app store and already installed on Android devices. Cal OES’s
MyShake app can alert people at the first rumble of trouble.
“We actually work with partners at the United States Geological Survey, Cal Berkeley and Caltech to have an app that
uses state-of-the-art motion sensors that are buried deep in the ground,” said Brian Ferguson. “And it actually
sends a signal which notifies people who are in an area that could experience an earthquake of 4.5 or greater.”
It would give people more time and awareness for earthquakes.
“Just by taking a few minutes, putting that app on your phone, you can give your family life-saving seconds to
protect themselves should an earthquake occur,” Ferguson said.
Quake Near Truckee: Why Some Got Shake Alerts And Others Didn’t
KOVR (CBS) – May 7, 2021
The quake, which hit 11 miles northwest of Truckee, was felt in Reno, Sacramento and Stockton, but the California
Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) says unless you have the state’s MyShake app, you may have missed it.
“You can set the alert on the MyShake App to different thresholds, so sometimes the earthquakes will be above the
thresholds set on individual phones,” said Brian May, of Cal OES.
The system, launched in 2019, uses 800 ground motion sensors to deliver warnings to people over their cell phones
before the strongest shaking starts. How fast you receive an alert depends on how far away you are from the
epicenter.
“It’s a great reminder that we drop cover and hold on,” said May. “It’s a great reminder that even a few seconds
warning can be huge.”
Terremoto en el área de Lake Tahoe es el más fuerte en California desde hace siete meses
La Opinion – May 7, 2021
Un terremoto de magnitud 4.7 fue registrado la noche del jueves cerca de Lake Tahoe, en el norte de California cerca
del límite con el estado de Nevada. No se reportaron lesiones al ocurrir en un área remota. El sismo, localizado a
unas 10 millas de Truckee en el área de Lake Tahoe, fue relevante porque además de su potencia activó la alerta
sísmica con la app MyShake.
ShakeAlert Can Now Notify Entire West Coast
LAist – May 5, 2021
By the way, here in California, you’ve got several ways to receive alerts. First two are built right into your
phone: There’s the Wireless Emergency
System, that’s how you get Amber Alerts. Android users can also get alerts through their operating system.
You can also download two apps: MyShake and Quake Alert USA.
Earthquake Warning System Expands to All of West Coast
Government Technology – May 5, 2021
The ShakeAlert system, which allows residents to receive earthquake warnings online and on their cellphones seconds
before they feel any shaking, went live in Washington state Tuesday. The system was already active in California and
Oregon. The system’s debut in Washington completes the USGS’ West Coast alert program rollout, which began with
California in 2019 and expanded to Oregon in March, officials said. People in these states can now receive FEMA
alerts through third-party phone apps — such as California’s MyShake App — or through mobile text messages.
In major milestone, U.S. earthquake early warning system now covers entire West Coast
LA Times – May 4, 2021
In California and Oregon, smartphone users can also download free apps to get earthquake early warning alerts.
MyShake, developed by UC Berkeley, warns users that a quake has been detected and tells them to take protective
action. QuakeAlertUSA, developed by Santa Monica-based Early Warning Labs, offers some additional tools: a countdown
to when shaking is expected to arrive, and also notice about the intensity of shaking to expect, De Groot said.
The city of Los Angeles once had its own earthquake early warning system mobile app, ShakeAlertLA, which was the
first such system of its kind. But it was retired at the end of last year, and city officials recommended people
download the MyShake app.
County Office of Emergency Services Urges San Diegans to Prep for Earthquakes
NBC7 San Diego – April 28, 2021
In honor of Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services reminded
residents Wednesday not to get caught off guard and have a plan for how to protect themselves in the event of an
earthquake. The announcement followed a magnitude 3.5 earthquake that struck Borrego Springs early Wednesday and
caused light shaking to be felt across the San Diego region.
County Office of Emergency Services urges San Diegans to prep for earthquakes
KUSI News – April 28, 2021
In honor of Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services reminded
residents today not to get caught off guard and have a plan for how to protect themselves in the event of an
earthquake. The announcement followed a magnitude 3.5 earthquake that struck Borrego Springs early Wednesday and
caused light shaking to be felt across the San Diego region.
As Landmark Anniversary Nears, County Urges Residents to Prepare for Earthquakes
County of San Mateo – April 16, 2021
April is “Earthquake Preparedness Month” and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Early Warning
Program reminds residents that seconds count in saving lives during an earthquake.
Belville said downloading the no-cost MyShake App — the state’s early warning app that provides users a few seconds
of notice that shaking is about to occur — is among the easiest and helpful actions residents can take because it is
not a matter of if an earthquake will occur, but when.
Earthquake Preparedness Month Is In April
Canyon News – April 14, 2021
BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills has declared the month of April as Earthquake Preparedness Month in an
effort to provide the public with safety measures in case an earthquake happens. The city of Beverly Hills indicated
in a press release that during the month, a wide range of educational programs and information will be delivered to
the community to limit damage and protect life and property.
City of Artesia Encourages Residents to Enroll in State’s Earthquake Early Warning System
City of Artesia – April 6, 2021
Natural disasters, like earthquakes, happen unexpectedly and can create major disruptions that last long after the
event is over. Emergency situations may force individuals and families to quickly find shelter or evacuate from
their homes, workplaces, or other settings. By being prepared and planning ahead, Artesia residents can quickly take
life-saving actions to keep them safe in an earthquake.
7 Emergency Preparedness Apps to Keep on Your Phone
WIRED Magazine – April 5, 2021
The MyShake App is great if you want to learn more about the science of earthquakes, as it provides information from
recent ones around the world. And if you’re in one yourself, it may provide some data not available elsewhere. Under
the Safety tab, graphics depict people doing various activities to prepare, survive, and recover from an earthquake.
Earthquake Warning California offers early warning earthquake app
KFRG 95.1FM – Eye on the Community – April 1, 2021
April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month, and Earthquake Warning California is the first in the nation early
warning system for earthquakes and includes technology such as the free MyShake App and Android Earthquake Alerts
that can give mobile users a few moments notice before shaking so that they can take protective actions such as to
drop, cover, and hold on.
Amanda Moyer, who is the Program Manager of Earthquake Warning California for the California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services, discusses how these warning systems work.
3 Steps Californians Should Take to Prepare for Big Earthquake
Mercury News & East Bay Times – March 25, 2021
On April 18, 1906, a violent earthquake struck San Francisco, collapsing structures and rupturing water and gas
lines. The quake, which lasted up to 60 seconds, resulted in the deaths of more than 700 people. More than a century
later, California commemorates this historic event during April’s Earthquake Awareness Month.
In this op-ed, the Red Cross encourages Californians to be prepared by taking three key actions, including
downloading the MyShake App to receive warnings.
Stay Informed: How Scales Help Us Describe Disasters
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Blog – March 3, 2021
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the southern California city of Northridge in 1994. The quake killed 57
people, injured more than 9,000, and displaced over 20,000 (…)
As a result, building codes changed and retrofitting was done at hospitals and on freeways and water pipes to
mitigate (or reduce) the effect of the next earthquake. State and local responders are prepared for the next
earthquake with emergency plans and early warning systems, like the MyShake App.
TehachaPod: Earthquake Warning California
City of Tehachapi – February 24, 2021
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) team member Amanda Moyer joins TehachaPod to talk about
the new “My Shake” App that will give you an early warning of an earthquake. Science and technology come together to
provide us with an early warning of an earthquake. It may only save you a few seconds to tens of seconds but that
may be all the time you need to seek cover before the shaking begins.
Earthquake early warning system coming to Oregon
Oregon Public Broadcasting – February 22, 2021
In a few weeks, Oregon will have its very own ShakeAlert system — a network of sensors that can detect seismic
shifts and send out an alert via mobile devices seconds before shaking begins. California has had a ShakeAlert
system in place since 2019 and has used it more than a dozen times as part of Earthquake Warning California. OBP
speaks with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Public Policy Specialist, Emily Holland, to hear
about how it works.
California Dreaming: Earthquakes and the danger we live with every day
ABC 7 – February 6, 2021
California is earthquake country. It’s estimated there’s a quake in the state every three minutes, although most are
too small to be noticeable. It’s a danger we live with every day.
While scientists can’t predict earthquakes, seismologists are using smartphones to give us a warning that shaking
has started – enough time to seek shelter. But cell phone technology does not stop there.
“If the Loma Prieta earthquake happened again, we would be able to provide about 10 seconds of warning between when
the earthquake started and when the shaking would reach Oakland. The idea with giving people warning, even if it’s
just a few seconds, is that they can then take action to protect themselves.”
FAQ: What to Know About the MyShake Earthquake Warning App
NBC Los Angeles – January 16, 2021
The ShakeAlertLA app familiar to many Los Angeles resident stopped issuing earthquake warnings at the end of 2020.
Developed to issue alerts when earthquakes reach a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, the app issued 100,000 early warning
alerts of all recordable earthquake activity since its launch in 2018, the mayor’s office said Wednesday.
With ShakeAlertLA in retirement, the city urged residents to download the statewide MyShake app. MyShake is a
statewide system that was announced by the governor on Oct. 17, 2019. The MyShake app is available for download
through the Apple Store or Google Play.
Prepping for the ‘big one’ with Los Altos’ disaster expert
Los Altos – January 13, 2021
The Town Crier spoke last week with Los Altos emergency preparedness coordinator Ann Hepenstal for tips on preparing
for the next “big one.” The interview below has been edited for clarity and length.
One can go to the USGS website, earthquake.usgs.gov, and see recent earthquakes and where people felt them. You can
add your own comments about what you felt and experienced. Most of them you don’t notice. There’s also an
early-warning app for Android and Apple called MyShake.
City of Los Angeles phasing out ShakeAlertLA in favor of new app, MyShake
ABC7 – December 28, 2020
The City of Los Angeles is phasing out the USGS ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system app “ShakeAlertLA” and
introducing a new early warning app.
One week from Friday, ShakeAlertLA will be retired. Users are being encouraged to download MyShake, a new statewide
app that is being rolled out. MyShake uses information from the USGS to give Californians a heads up before a strong
quake hits. It also improves on lessons learned by developers of ShakeAlertLA.
Santa Barbara News-Press – December 27, 2020
Are you ready for the “big one?” Regardless of how you answer that question, the good news is that tools are
available.
Earlier this year, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, known as Cal OES, announced the launch of
a public awareness campaign to educate all California residents about the state’s innovative earthquake warning
system — Earthquake Warning California.
Mayor Garcetti Calls on Angelenos to Download MyShake
DECEMBER 23, 2020
After two-year pilot phase reached nearly one million users, Mayor announces end of ShakeAlert L.A. and
transition to new platform
LOS ANGELES –– Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced that the City of Los Angeles will retire the ShakeAlertLA
earthquake early warning mobile app on December 31, 2020. The app was a pilot project that laid the foundation for
an earthquake early warning alert system in California. Angelenos are now encouraged to download MyShake, a new
statewide cell phone app from Earthquake Early Warning California that is powered by ShakeAlert and builds on
lessons learned from the City’s two-year ShakeAlert pilot to deliver earthquake early warning alerts to people
across L.A. County.
Sign Up for Earthquake Warning California
City of San Clemente – December 18, 2020
In order to make it easy for organizations and individuals to share information about Earthquake Warning California,
Cal OES has created a series of toolkits that can be copied, customized, and shared with friends, family, coworkers,
clients, and the community. All toolkits are available on our website in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified and
Mandarin), Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. The website also includes social media graphics that can be downloaded
and shared.
App provides early earthquake warnings
Antelope Valley Press – December 4, 2020
PALMDALE —Pandemics and wildfires can catch people off-guard, but earthquakes no longer have to, thanks to
Earthquake Warning California.
“With the early earthquakes tools and applications we can get just a few seconds warning now before we experience
shaking,” Amanda Moyer, program manager of California Earthquake Early Warning Program said in a telephone
interview. “Those few seconds can save lives to give us time to drop, cover, and hold on and protect ourselves
before strong shaking occurs.”
California OES to issue earthquake warning test for ‘Great California Shakeout’
ABC 10 – October 14, 2020
SACRAMENTO, Calif — The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is issuing an earthquake
warning test on Thursday as part of the Great California Shakeout.
Cal OES will activate the alert through California’s MyShake phone application, which is available for free from
Apple and Google Play stores. Cal OES officials ask from those who receive the alert to practice “dropping, covering
and holding on” or other protective measures they would do in a real-life earthquake.
Get ready to ‘drop, cover and hold’ Thursday for the Great California ShakeOut Drill
OC Register – October 13, 2020
“At 10:15 a.m., participants — including students, government workers, business employees and families — will be
instructed to drop to the ground, take cover under a desk, table or other sturdy surface and hold on for 60 seconds,
as if a major earthquake were occurring. Those who have downloaded the MyShake application to their phone will
receive a test warning with similar guidance.”
Esto debes conocer del simulacro de terremoto que preparan en California para este jueves
Univision – October 13, 2020
“El estado de California lanzó su sistema de alerta sísmica anticipada, el cual avisa segundos antes, la ocurrencia
de un terremoto. La Oficina de Emergencias de California insta a los californianos a descargar la
aplicación MyShake para recibir una prueba de alerta de terremoto el 15 de octubre.”
Drop, Cover, Hold!: Great California ShakeOut is Thursday
The Times Standard – October 14, 2020
“Californians are also being urged to download the MyShake App, a free alert system for Andriod and iPhone. The app
uses the state’s extensive base of earthquake monitoring equipment to give residents some notice, at least a few
seconds worth, that an earthquake is headed their way.”
How diverse is your government? + Arrests at Capitol protests + Are you earthquake ready?
Sacramento Bee – October 5, 2020
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has launched a campaign to spread awareness of the state’s new
Earthquake Warning California system.
The state will launch an advertising campaign titled “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,” which will advertise on digital,
social and broadcast media through 2022, with an optional one-year extension.
California launches preparedness campaign as earthquakes rattle rural town
Fox26 News – October 1, 2020
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has launched a new earthquake preparedness campaign
Thursday. The announcement comes as an earthquake swarm continues to rattle a rural area of Southern California.
Hundreds of earthquakes have hit since Wednesday south of the Salton Sea, near the town of Westmoreland.
The campaign, “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,” directs Californians to no-cost tools, resources, and information,
including the smartphone MyShake App, Android Earthquake Alerts, Government Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), and
the earthquake.ca.gov website.
Earthquake swarm rattles rural southeastern California
SFGate – October 1, 2020
“The state on Thursday coincidentally launched a ‘Don’t Get Caught Off Guard’ campaign to raise awareness of
California’s earthquake warning system which detects the start of a quake and sends alerts so that people can
protect themselves before shaking arrives. The annual Great California ShakeOut, in which millions of people
practice the “drop, cover, hold on” response to earthquakes, is scheduled for Oct. 15.”
Politico – October 1, 2020
“California launched a broad new public education campaign on Thursday that offers residents
no-cost tools, resources and information on how to prepare for the next big shaker. “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,”
from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, includes easy access to Earthquake Warning California, the state’s
earthquake warning system.”
Governor Newsom and Google Partner to Bring Earthquake Early
Warning to Millions of Smart Phones
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