eNewsletters
Stay Prepared and Informed with ShakeAlert
Washington, D.C.,
May 8, 2021
Tags:
Environment
Dear friend, This week, Washington state launched ShakeAlert, an early warning system that will help our communities in the event of an earthquake. The alert system will send real-time information straight to your phone about the magnitude and location of an earthquake, so you have time to prepare and take protective actions. Most phones already have Wireless Emergency Alerts or “Emergency Alerts” set up. You can check that these alerts are turned on in your phone’s settings—otherwise, there’s nothing more you need to do. In coordination with cities and local partners, ShakeAlert can slow down trains to prevent derailments, redirect the power grid, close water valves, and much more. These automated actions can play a huge role in protecting property and critical infrastructure given that earthquakes cost an estimated $5 billion every year in the U.S. Most importantly, this alert system will help you stay safe. Having even an extra minute of advanced warning can save lives and reduce injuries. You can learn more about the system here:Learn More Earthquakes can trigger other natural disasters, like tsunamis and mudslides. Preventing tragedies like the 2014 Oso landslide from happening again remains a top priority of mine. The National Landslide Preparedness Act that I championed was signed into law in January to improve natural disaster preparedness. I continue to fight for meaningful investments, like the American Jobs Plan and my Smart Cities and Communities Act, that will improve infrastructure resiliency in the face of our climate crisis. As always, I am here to help you. If you need assistance at this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to leave a message with my Kirkland office at (425) 485-0085. For more updates on what I’m doing for WA-01, you can follow me on social media at the links below. Stay safe and stay healthy, Suzan |