ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning in Schools

The ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning system implemented in the Stanwood-Camano School District serves as a critical safety measure, providing real-time alerts to students and staff during seismic events, enhancing preparedness, and significantly improving the district’s ability to respond effectively to potential earthquakes.

The Problem

The Stanwood-Camano School District, located in western Washington, is susceptible to seismic activity from shallow crustal faults, deeper earthquakes, and potentially catastrophic megaquakes from the Cascadia Subduction Zone. In such an environment, the district's 4,600 students and numerous staff members were at risk of injury from falling debris and structural failures during significant earthquakes. Recognizing the urgent need for improved safety measures, the district sought an advanced solution that could provide real-time earthquake alerts to facilitate immediate protective actions in all its schools.

The Procedure

In collaboration with Varius Inc., a ShakeAlert® Licensed Operator (LtO), the district implemented the USGS-operated ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning system. This sophisticated system includes a network of sensors that rapidly detects significant earthquakes and estimates the expected shaking. Upon detection, the system triggers the ShakeAlert® to deliver automated alerts through the district's centralized public address system. Engineers installed a ShakeAlert®-powered computer box in each school, which connects to the internet and integrates with the PA system. This setup enables the system to issue a preliminary alert tone followed by a vocal message instructing immediate protective action, specifically the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" protocol, across all 13 district buildings simultaneously.

The Conclusions

In collaboration with Varius Inc., a ShakeAlert® Licensed Operator (LtO), the district implemented the USGS-operated ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning system. This sophisticated system includes a network of sensors that rapidly detects significant earthquakes and estimates the expected shaking. Upon detection, the system triggers the ShakeAlert® to deliver automated alerts through the district's centralized public address system. Engineers installed a ShakeAlert®-powered computer box in each school, which connects to the internet and integrates with the PA system. This setup enables the system to issue a preliminary alert tone followed by a vocal message instructing immediate protective action, specifically the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" protocol, across all 13 district buildings simultaneously.