State Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, has recommended Santa Clarita residents and those in Southern California to download the free MyShake smartphone app to receive earthquake alerts. 

In a statement Friday, Senator Wilk has suggested that Santa Clarita citizens download the free MyShake app to get a head-start, in some cases before shaking can be felt, to take protective actions to drop, cover and hold on in case of an earthquake.

“If 2020 taught us one thing – it is to be prepared for the unexpected,” Wilk said in a statement Friday. “Californians can now get earthquake warnings from Earthquake Warning California.”

Earthquake Warning California is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that provides California residents crucial seconds to take cover before they feel shaking, officials said.

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Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify Santa Clarita residents to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in advance of an earthquake. 

To receive earthquake warnings, individuals and family members in Santa Clarita can download the MyShake App and ensure phone settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts.

The MyShake App provides iPhone and Android users with audio and visual warnings for earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher as well as mild shaking, according to officials. 

Other options for earthquake preparedness include Android Earthquake Alerts, which are automatically included in updated Android operating systems and utilize the same technology as the MyShake App, as well as Wireless Emergency Alerts which are no-cost text messages for emergency situations.

Earthquake Warning California suggests that preparation is vital for those who live in or travel to areas that could be impacted by an earthquake, as these events can strike suddenly, at any time, with little warning. Residents can check My Hazards to search home or work addresses and see if the area is prone to earthquakes.

According to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 60 percent chance of a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in the next 30 years striking Los Angeles.

Following a major disaster, families should be equipped with enough food, water and emergency supplies to last for two weeks, until outside help can arrive. The Red Cross recommends these basic tips:  

• Build an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit including items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a first-aid kit.  
• Create an emergency plan with members of your household, covering what to do in case everyone is separated as well as places to meet in case of a sudden emergency-one meeting spot outside your home in case of a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are forced to evacuate. 
• Know what to do before, during and after an earthquake, wildfire, and home fire. 
• Ensure that at least one member of your household is fully trained to administer CPR. 

Visit earthquake.ca.gov to learn more about the latest tools and resources and how to use them.

For assistance regarding any state matters, Senator Wilk can be contacted at his district office at (661)729-6232 or by visiting his website here.
MyShake is available at the Apple App Store for iPhone users and Google Play store for android users.

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