California touts efficacy of earthquake early warning system during recent Bay Area quake

California state officials are touting the benefits of its Earthquake Early Warning System, noting it provided over 2.2 million residents with advanced notification prior to a recent episode.

“California continues to harness the power of science and technology to help keep our communities safe,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “When it comes to earthquakes, seconds can save lives. That’s why California continues to invest in new and emerging technologies to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

In many locations, the technology provided up to 19 seconds for Californians to take protective action to drop, cover, and hold on and stay safe during the 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the Bay Area.

In the aftermath of its performance amid the most recent earthquake, the Earthquake Early Warning System witnessed over 108,000 new downloads of the MyShake App in a single day. In addition to the emergency alerts sent to individuals through MyShake and Android, the technology is used to automate protective actions, including slowing trains, opening firehouse doors, recalling elevators, and shutting off water and gas valves.

“While California has faced fires, drought, and even a global pandemic, the single biggest threat we face to life and property in our state is a sizeable earthquake in one of our major population centers,” California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Director Mark Ghilarducci said, noting the recent earthquake served as an important step in testing the technology while work remains to prepare for the next occurrence.

The three ways for individuals and families to get alerts via the Earthquake Warning California system are through the MyShake App, Android Earthquake Alerts, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).