The app is called MyShake and it is designed by the U.S Geological Survey. It is an upgraded version of a similar application that was used back in 1989.
The current version was designed at U.C Berkeley. The application will warn people up to 20 seconds before a nearby earthquake causes the ground to shake. That should be enough time to take any necessary precautions.
Mike Ghilarducci from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services described how the MyShake application works. He said that:
“When the earthquake begins, the ground motion sensors detect and gather information rapidly and allow the system to estimate the potential size and location of the earthquake.”
If the epicenter of a quake is closer to San Rafael, then people in this region will receive alerts first. Some people may receive the alert while the quake is happening and some will receive it after. The alert will include a graphic design of what measures should be taken, such as getting down and hiding under tables.
Officials are urging everyone who lives in the state to download the application. According to Governor Newson, preparation is the price of admission for living in quake-prone areas.