Technology provides valuable seconds March 09 2021 When disaster strikes, being prepared can make a big difference. A preparedness tool called ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System will be activated in Oregon on March 11. Already in place in California, ShakeAlert detects significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people before shaking arrives at their location. The time between receiving the alert and feeling the shaking gives people critical seconds to protect themselves. "No action needs to be taken on March 11 and no sign up is required," commented Paula Fasano Negele, public information officer for Oregon Office of Emergency Management. "These important alerts come automatically on most cell phones making a distinctive sound and a text message that reads "Earthquake Detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself."