California’s Earthquake Early Warning System notified millions of Californians through emergency alerts, providing some with up to 20 seconds’ notice before shaking began. The system alerted residents in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties about a 4.7 magnitude earthquake near Malibu.
The earthquake occurred at 7:28 a.m., centered 4.4 miles north of Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains, and was felt across large portions of the greater Los Angeles area.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), which oversees California’s earthquake warning system, is coordinating with local officials in the affected region to assess any issues or unmet needs. Cal OES advises residents to stay away from steep slopes to avoid potential falling or sliding debris due to aftershocks.
Phones in the impacted areas received notifications via the state’s MyShake app, which sent out 425,217 alerts. Cal OES estimates that millions more received wireless emergency alerts through a partnership with Google that integrates alert software into Android cell phone operating systems.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of preparedness: “Even as the state contends with wildfires, we must always be ready for other potential disasters. Thanks to our Earthquake Early Warning system, millions of people in Southern California received alerts on their mobile phones when shaking began, giving them vital seconds to drop, cover and hold on. I encourage all Californians to download the MyShake app and allow emergency alerts on their cell phones to receive these timely notifications.”
Following the earthquake, there were over 20,000 new downloads of the MyShake App within three hours.
In addition to individual alerts via MyShake and smartphones, California uses this technology for automated protective actions such as opening firehouse doors and shutting off water and gas valves.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward advised all Californians to use available resources: “All Californians should download the MyShake app on their mobile phones to help them prepare for earthquakes. With these notices, people can take life-saving steps before shaking begins.”
In 2019, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the nation’s first statewide Earthquake Early Warning System on the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. In 2020, he announced a partnership with Google to integrate this technology into all Android smartphones.
Warnings delivered through California’s system are powered by ShakeAlert—a program operated by USGS in partnership with Cal OES—that analyzes seismic data and calculates preliminary magnitudes and affected areas. Partners include institutions like UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory and Caltech Seismological Laboratory.
The California Earthquake Early Warning System combines a smartphone application with traditional alert methods like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The recent integration within popular smartphones allows for broader alert distribution across California using ground motion sensors installed throughout the state.
To receive alerts:
– **MyShake App**: A free smartphone app providing audio and visual warnings.
– **Smartphones**: Most updated smartphones automatically subscribe to early warning technology.
– **Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)**: No-cost text messages for emergency situations providing lifesaving information for California residents.
For more information on earthquake preparedness or downloading early warning applications visit www.earthquake.ca.gov.
