Golden State Today

At 10:17 a.m. today, Californians will engage in an earthquake safety drill to practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," or "Lock, Cover, and Hold On" for those using wheelchairs or assistive devices. This exercise is part of the international Great ShakeOut drill, which underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and highlights California's Earthquake Early Warning system.

The Great ShakeOut takes place annually on October 17 to commemorate the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake—a magnitude 6.9 event that caused significant casualties and damage.

Under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership, California has developed a pioneering Earthquake Early Warning system. The system uses ground motion sensors across the state to provide residents with crucial seconds of warning before shaking begins. Since its launch in 2019, sensor installations have increased by fifty percent, enhancing alert accuracy and speed.

Recent alerts from the MyShake App and Earthquake Early Warning system provided up to 35 seconds of advance notice during earthquakes in Southern California. Last month, it notified millions about a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Malibu; in August, it alerted residents ahead of a magnitude 5.2 quake.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated: “As we mark the 35th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake today, our state has never been more prepared to protect Californians when a serious earthquake strikes. The state’s cutting-edge Earthquake Early Warning system is providing vital moments of warning for people to take lifesaving action."

In 2020, Governor Newsom announced a partnership with Google to integrate this technology into all Android smartphones in California. This collaboration ensures that most residents receive timely alerts through various methods including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

The likelihood of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 earthquake within the next three decades exceeds ninety-nine percent according to estimates. To educate citizens on preparedness measures and app usage, Cal OES conducted a statewide tour featuring an earthquake simulator earlier this week.

To receive warnings from California’s Earthquake Early Warning system:

- Download the free MyShake App for audio and visual alerts.

- Ensure smartphones are updated as they automatically subscribe to early warnings.

- Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) for emergency notifications at no cost.

For further information on preparedness strategies visit earthquake.ca.gov or www.Shakeout.org/California.