An Unsettling Reality
One of the most unsettling realities for homeowners on the West Coast is the ever-present threat of the “Big One.” If the thought of this frightening event gives you pause and you own a home in California, Oregon, or Washington, there are steps you can take to be ready:
- Set up earthquake alerts on your phone to receive a notification with up to 20 seconds of warning before an earthquake strikes your area
- Sign up for USGS email alerts so you can stay informed about seismic activity close to home or across the globe
- Visit the GeoVera Earthquake Preparation page for important information on how to prepare your home and your property for an earthquake
- If you don’t have earthquake insurance, get a quote today from quakeinsurance!
Set up earthquake alerts on your phone
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): These nationwide alerts deliver concise, text-like messages during emergencies. They include Presidential Alerts for national emergencies, Imminent Threat Alerts for immediate dangers like earthquakes and wildfires, and AMBER Alerts for child abductions.
You can follow these simple steps to set up earthquake alerts on your Apple device.
- Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
- Go to the “Settings” app and scroll down to “Notifications.”
- Depending on your region, tap on “Emergency Alerts” or “Government Alerts. ” You’ll find options to enable “Emergency Alerts” and “Public Safety Alerts.” Make sure both are turned on.
For Android users:
- Update your phone to the latest Android version to set up notifications for earthquake alerts on your Android device.
- Open the “Settings” app, go to “Safety & emergency,” and select “Earthquake Alerts” to toggle it on. This built-in feature uses data from nearby sensors to provide warnings seconds before an earthquake strikes. Integrated into millions of Android phones, this system automatically receives and distributes alerts through ShakeAlert®, based on real-time seismic data analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Ensure your phone’s location services are enabled to receive these crucial alerts.
Download the MyShake App
Available for free on the App Store and Google Play, the MyShake App provides earthquake warnings by detecting shaking and estimating the quake’s size and impact. It crowdsources shaking intensity and damage data and operates in English and Spanish. To ensure the app functions correctly, keep your phone’s location settings “always on.”
Sign up for USGS email Alerts
To sign up for USGS (United States Geological Survey) email alerts, visit the USGS Earthquake Notification Service (ENS) website. Create an account by entering your email address and setting up a password. Once registered, log in and navigate to the “Subscriptions” section. Here, you can customize your alerts by selecting specific regions, magnitude thresholds, and the frequency of notifications. You can also receive alerts for aftershocks or significant seismic events worldwide. After setting your preferences, save your changes, and you’ll receive email notifications about seismic activity in your chosen areas.
Other Resources
Visit the GeoVera Earthquake Preparation page for crucial information
For comprehensive guidance on earthquake preparedness, visit the official Earthquake Preparation page at www.geovera.com/earthquake-prep. This resource offers detailed information on protecting yourself, your family, and your property before, during, and after an earthquake. The page includes checklists for emergency supplies, steps to secure heavy furniture and appliances, and advice on creating a family emergency plan.
Explore our tips for earthquake preparation to ensure your home is ready to withstand an earthquake. This guide covers practical steps, such as securing heavy furniture to walls, installing flexible gas lines, and keeping a clear path to the exits. Following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of injury and damage, giving you peace of mind in the face of potential seismic activity.
If You Don’t Already Have Earthquake Insurance, Get a Quote Today
If you live on the West Coast and don’t have earthquake insurance, getting a quote today is crucial, not to mention simple to do with online providers like quakeinsurance. Earthquake insurance can be a financial lifesaver, covering the cost of repairs or rebuilding your home after a significant quake. Contact your insurance agent if you have questions about finding the policy that best suits your needs. Investing in earthquake insurance now can save you from devastating financial loss in the future.
Precious Seconds
The Earthquake Early Warning system is a vital tool that offers precious seconds of advance notice before the most intense shaking of an earthquake hits. By leveraging advanced technology and ground motion monitoring, this system sends timely alerts to your cell phone, allowing you to take protective actions such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On. The effectiveness of these alerts depends on your proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter, with those closer receiving alerts sooner. Understanding the various alert types—such as Wireless Emergency Alerts, the MyShake App, and Android Alerts—can significantly enhance your preparedness and response during seismic events.
