SEATTLE - The U.S. has released a new iPhone app. Users receive alerts from the Geological Survey when an earthquake is imminent.

The new MyShake App, which was formerly an Android phone feature, gives crucial seconds or even minutes of warning before an earthquake begins to shake.

The software detects earthquakes using ground motion sensors and provides rough estimates of their size, location, and impact. Users won't miss the alert by receiving a ShakeAlert message and warning tone when an earthquake of a specific magnitude occurs.

"Earthquake. Drop, cover, and hang on. Shaking predicted," reads the message.

Additionally, users have the option to designate a "home base" location, which enables them to get earthquake alerts even when location services are disabled. Users are advised to keep location services turned on in all other cases.

As an alternative, Android users do not need an app at all because earthquake alerts are pre-installed in the phone's software and are activated at a magnitude of 4.5 or higher.

The UC Berkeley Seismology Lab created the MyShake App with funding from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. It launched on Wednesday morning.

Regional opt-in emergency notifications for things like road closures, evacuations, wildfires, and storms are also available in every county, with the exception of Adams County. The website of the Washington Military Department has a complete list.

The app is available for iPhone and Android (Google Play) (App Store).