ShakeAlert®
An Earthquake Early Warning System for the West CoastThe ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System detects significant earthquakes quickly so alerts can reach people and critical infrastructure before strong shaking arrives. By giving people precious seconds to protect themselves, ShakeAlert can save lives. The ShakeAlert System managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, but the Oregon Hazards Lab has been a partner in building the ShakeAlert sensor and stakeholder network since 2014:
We install and maintain Pacific Northwest Seismic Network stations in Oregon that contribute data to the ShakeAlert system.
We support organizations like schools, hospitals, utilities, and transit agencies in using ShakeAlert-powered technology.
We are a leading member of ShakeAlert’s Oregon Committee for Communication, Education, and Outreach.
Oregonians live in earthquake country. In the next 50 years, there is a 37% chance that a powerful earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the resulting tsunami could impact the entire Pacific Northwest. There is also a risk that a more moderate but still impactful earthquake could occur on a shallow crustal fault like the Portland Hills Fault. ShakeAlert is an important tool to ensure everyone can live safely and thrive in earthquake country.
Learning More About ShakeAlert
How does the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System work?
The ShakeAlert System does not predict earthquakes in advance. Rather, it relies on a dense network of seismic monitoring stations to detect earthquakes moments after they begin so alerts can reach people before they feel shaking. A network of 1,675 sensors installed across Oregon, Washington, and California continuously record ground motion. In the Pacific Northwest, these sensors are part of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. During an earthquake, a rupturing fault sends out different types of waves. The fast-moving P-wave is the first to arrive, followed by the slower S-wave and later-arriving surface wave. Sensors detect the P-wave and immediately transmit data to ShakeAlert processing centers, which use earthquake detection algorithms to estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude, and shaking distribution. If the earthquake is large enough, a ShakeAlert Message is iss All alerts are generated automatically by earthquake detection algorithms. However, 24/7 on-call scientists review all alerts for accuracy and will send follow-up messages if necessary.
How can I receive an earthquake early warning alert on my phone?
ShakeAlert earthquake early warning became publicly available in Oregon on March 11, 2021. Oregonians now have several ways to receive earthquake early warning alerts on their phones.
Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System. Like AMBER alerts, these texts are sent automatically to all cell phones. Everyone should check their smart phone’s settings to ensure that emergency alerts are turned on. iPhone users should also turn on “local awareness” to ensure they get the fastest alerts.
Android Operating System Alerts. Android has integrated earthquake early warning alerts into its operating systems. Android users should be sure to complete all updates.
Downloadable Apps. MyShake (free download from Apple and Google Play stores) delivers push notifications to end-users when an earthquake is detected nearby. Other apps may become available over time. Search for apps that indicate “Powered by ShakeAlert,” as there is no “ShakeAlert” app.
Schools, hospitals, and businesses can also install ShakeAlert technology directly into their facilities. ShakeAlert can be integrated into paging systems, two-way radio systems, fire alarm panels, and other emergency communication systems to trigger pre-programmed alerts upon earthquake that reach all staff.
How else are people using earthquake early warning technology?
Earthquake early warning can provide people and critical infrastructure with seconds to tens of seconds of warning time before powerful shaking arrives. Those seconds can make a huge difference. ShakeAlert can be integrated directly into communication and control systems to trigger a variety of alerts and other actions that protect people and critical infrastructure. This includes delivering pre-programmed alerts in schools and hospitals via paging systems, slowing trains to prevent derailments, shutting down industrial processes to preserve delicate equipment, and throttling water and gas valves to mitigate the fires and floods that often occur after earthquakes due to broken pipelines. Taking such actions before shaking starts can save lives, prevent injuries, mitigate property damage, and reduce recovery costs.
What should I do if I receive an earthquake early warning alert?
When you get an alert, immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold On (DCHO). Do not wait to feel shaking!
DROP where you are onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if it is nearby.
COVER your head and neck with both arms and hands. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows, hanging objects, and tall furniture).
HOLD ON to your shelter until shaking stops. Be prepared to move with it if it shifts.
DCHO is the best protective action in most but not all situations. It is important to be situationally aware and to adapt to your environment. If dropping in place would be unsafe due to nearby hazards, for example,
move to a safer location first. More information about how to protect yourself in various settings, such as if you are driving or in bed when you receive an alert, can be found at www.earthquakecountry.org/step5.
Want to Learn How ShakeAlert Technology is Being Used in Your Community?
Still Have Questions?
Community lifelines, critical infrastructure providers, and businesses that are interested in using earthquake early warning in their facilities should contact kmissett@uoregon.edu to learn more.