California earthquake alert system warns of 4.4 quake near Highland Park
- A magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred near Highland Park, California, on Monday, triggering an early warning from the state's quake alert system.
- The alert system has been expanding, with over 5.4 million people receiving warnings for a previous magnitude 5.2 quake in Kern County.
- Residents are encouraged to download early-warning apps to enhance their preparedness for future earthquakes.
On Monday, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck near Highland Park, California, prompting an early warning from the state's earthquake alert system. This system is designed to notify residents of impending seismic activity, allowing them to take precautions before shaking begins. The effectiveness of the alert system was highlighted by a previous event where over 5.4 million people received warnings for a magnitude 5.2 quake in Kern County just a week prior. The technology behind the alert system relies on the fact that seismic waves travel slower than the speed of communication systems. For instance, a significant earthquake originating from the Salton Sea could take over a minute to be felt in Los Angeles, providing a crucial window for alerts to be sent out. This capability is vital for enhancing public safety in a region prone to earthquakes. Residents can access these alerts through various means, including built-in features on Android devices and apps like MyShake for iPhone users. The MyShake app, developed by UC Berkeley, is available for free and is designed to alert users in California, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, the SD Emergency app in San Diego County includes earthquake early-warning tools. For those without smartphones, alerts can still be received via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, which sends notifications based on projected earthquake magnitudes and shaking levels. Experts encourage Californians to download these apps to stay informed and prepared for future seismic events.