LOS ANGELES – The nation’s first publicly available earthquake early warning mobile application was officially launched Thursday.
The ShakeAlertLA app is designed to send a warning to anyone who has downloaded it and is within Los Angeles County when sensors placed by the U.S. Geological Survey detect that an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater is striking.
ShakeAlertLA is a pilot project that was developed in collaboration with the USGS, AT&T and the Annenberg Foundation, although the app works on all major mobile networks and is an open-sourced technology.
“You may receive the alert before, during or after shaking,” the app tells users. “Take protective action as soon as you receive an alert or feel or hear an earthquake. Drop, cover and hold on.”
The application launched on the Apple and Google Play stores after more than a decade of research and development.
“ShakeAlert is NOT a prediction that an earthquake will occur. It signals that an earthquake has started and you may feel shaking. This app is meant to help provide alerts for your safety,” according to the app.
ShakeAlertLA was made possible by a $260,000 grant from the Annenberg Foundation in 2017.
“We all know that the past couple of years has given us many stark reminders that emergencies do not announce themselves beforehand. They just happen, and they happen fast,” said Cinny Kennard, the foundation’s executive director.
The ShakeAlertLA app can be accessed at on Apple itunes here or on the Google Play store here. In addition to providing quake alerts, the app also includes tips on preparing for and recovering from a quake. It also includes a listing and map of recent quakes.
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Andrew Guzman says
I believe we need to start monitoring the homeless more. Recently I have seen more homeless people camping near the freeways and asking for money. More awareness of this problem could possibly get more help and get more of them to homeless shelters where hey could be warm and have a place for comfort.
Kitty says
How Very Thoughtful & Caring you are
I wish More People would Look up from their Mobile Devices & Actually see there are People in Need… Most of us {Me Included} are but a PayCheck away from being on the Streets Ourselves Instead People will Walk Right Over People who are in Need without even Blinking❇ People Don’t Choose 2 be Homeless❇ Not Everyone is a Drunk~ Drug Addict~ or has Mental Health Issues❇ Even then they are Human Beings who are in Need of a Helping Hand❇ We should be Ashamed of Ourselves with the Number of Homeless People in Need of Care & Assistance❇ So I’m with you & if I can Help in Any Way Please let me know❇
God Bless
Early Warning App says
An app is needed for that.