Be Ready for Earthquakes: California's April Earthquake Preparedness Month

Californians are being urged to prepare for earthquakes as April is Earthquake Preparedness Month. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) hosts Earthquake Warning California, a notification system that issues alerts based on US Geological Survey data. The system can send audio and visual warnings to iPhone users via the MyShake app, which is available in English and Spanish, and Android phone users with updated operating systems are also automatically subscribed to the alerts. The technology is also being used to trigger protective actions, such as slowing trains and shutting off gas and water valves. Individuals can also take preparedness steps, such as developing an emergency plan and packing an emergency supply kit.