Earthquake/Tsunami alerts

Question

Hello is there a general app or site to sign up for alerts if there is a Tsunami alert issued?

For example our local city allows us to sign up so that we will get a text alert about wildfires or any other such potential safety issues.

Excited to be heading back to Alaska/BC Canada soon!

Answer

Alaska is a seismically active region, so staying informed about earthquakes and tsunamis is very important. There are several reliable ways to receive alerts for tsunamis, earthquakes, and other hazards while in Alaska or nearby regions like British Columbia.

Official Alert Systems:

Alaska Alert and AK Alerts: The State of Alaska operates the AK Alerts system, which can send text messages, emails, or voice calls for emergencies including tsunamis, earthquakes, severe weather, and other hazards. You can sign up by visiting the official Alaska Alerts website and registering your phone or email.
NOAA Weather Radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides weather radios that broadcast continuous updates including tsunami and earthquake warnings. Many mobile devices automatically receive Wireless Emergency Alerts if you are in the affected area.
National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC): The NTWC monitors seismic events in the Pacific and can issue tsunami warnings for Alaska and the west coast. You can check their website for current alerts, and they also provide email subscriptions for official warnings.

Mobile Apps for Alerts:

FEMA App: The FEMA app provides real-time alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and other emergencies. You can customize it to receive notifications for your specific location in Alaska.
MyShake App: Developed by UC Berkeley, MyShake can send earthquake alerts and detect tremors quickly. It’s useful in combination with tsunami alerts, as earthquakes often precede tsunamis.
Earthquake Network App: Offers real-time earthquake notifications globally, including Alaska, which can give you an early heads-up for potential tsunami threats.

Practical Tips:

Enable location services on your phone so alerts are tailored to where you are.
Sign up for multiple alert systems if possible (AK Alerts, NOAA WEA, apps) to ensure redundancy.
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes in case a tsunami alert is issued while you’re in coastal areas.

By combining official state alerts, NOAA warnings, and mobile apps, you can stay well-informed and safe while exploring Alaska and BC.