Earthquake Warnings with ShakeAlert
August 13, 2019 9:00 AM
by Lindsay B. Call
Santa Monica Public Library and Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with USGS and Early Warning Labs, is piloting innovative technology in the Santa Monica Main Library to improve earthquake early warning notifications. The new technology is called ShakeAlert. ShakeAlert is a tool that indicates an earthquake has begun and shaking is on its way. When an earthquake occurs, sensors across the western United States will detect initial tremors. These sensors send readings to an Earthquake Alert Center.
If the earthquake fits the right profile, a ShakeAlert is delivered to alert people in harm’s way. The Main Library is now outfitted to receive ShakeAlert messages via the overhead speaker system during an earthquake that is expected to reach an IV Level on the Intensity Scale (dishes, windows, doors distributed). The Library may receive a ShakeAlert before, during or after shaking arrives depending on its distance from the quake. During the July 2019 quake, the Library’s ShakeAlert system calculated a II Level on the Intensity Scale, not setting off the alarm.
The Main Library and OEM have been closely working with USGS to provide feedback on the ShakeAlert tool and are working together to develop training and public education that can be used as ShakeAlert is rolled out in other public locations. In the Main Library, ShakeAlert will send an early earthquake warning over the facility’s alarm system. The alert message will state “Earthquake, Earthquake! Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Protect yourself now!” Upon hearing the alert message, all Library patrons and staff should “Drop, Cover and Hold On!” Drop to the ground immediately.
Take cover under a sturdy table or near an interior wall away from objects that could fall. Cover your head with your arms. Hold where you are until shaking ends. After the earthquake, follow the directions of Library personnel. Earthquakes can happen at any time. Prepare yourself and your loved ones for an earthquake by finding earthquake-safe locations in your home and workplace where you can “Drop! Cover! and Hold On!” Remember to practice these actions during the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 17.
To learn more about ShakeAlert visit: shakealert.org.
Authored By
Lindsay B. Call
Chief Resilience Officer