Yesterday’s massive earthquake in Japan reminds us of how important it is to obtain timely and accurate information. But where does the most reliable information come from? What are some of the best sources?
For geophysical events, I turn to USGS, which has a wealth of immediate information.
Earthquake Notification Service (ENS)
The Earthquake Notification Service (ENS) is a free service that sends you automated notification emails when earthquakes happen in your area.
https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/
Did you feel it?
A great service to report earthquakes.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/dyfi/
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
Sign up for highly specific warnings by RSS or SMS.
http://ptwc.weather.gov/subscribe.php
For weather events, the go to place is NOAA and the National Weather Service.
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service (NWS) is proposing an experimental use of email updates to provide NWS information this includes winter storm warnings, tornadoes and other weather events.
http://www.weather.gov/emailupdates/index.php
For California events
California Emergency Management Agency
Receive EDIS – Emergency Digital Information Service notices.
San Francisco events
San Francisco Alert
And in my town, we have AlertSF a 24/7 notification system. AlertSF will send alerts regarding emergencies disrupting vehicular/pedestrian traffic, watches and warnings for tsunamis, flooding, and Citywide post-disaster information to your registered wireless devices and email accounts.
And what do you have in your area to provide you with good, timely and reliable information? Would love to hear from you!