MyShake earthquake warning app is available

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Created by seismologists and engineers in California

Seattle – A new earthquake warning app is available in Washington State.

The state says there are actually two warning systems, but the MyShake app offers a third and possibly faster option, the Seattle Times reports.

The app was launched in 2019 and sends alerts in California and Oregon. It became available in Washington on Wednesday.

The MyShake app can be downloaded for free from the Apple or Google Play stores.

California seismologists and engineers created the app, which was funded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

“Access to tools like the MyShake app will help you, your family, and your community better prepare and have a more positive outcome in the event of an earthquake,” Kristina Carey, deputy director of the office, said in a press release. “We are pleased to share this resource with our neighbors on the West Coast.”

Alerts based on information collected by the USGS’s ShakeAlert earthquake warning system were previously available through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system and on Android phones’ built-in alert system.

MyShake and built-in Android send alerts for earthquakes greater than 4.5, while WEA will do so for earthquakes greater than 5.0.

The system relies on 1,150 seismometers placed along the west coast that can locate and transmit an earthquake.

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