Earthquake Early Warning Systems

Earthquake Early Warning Systems detect initial, less damaging seismic waves called P-waves that travel faster than the destructive S-waves. These systems use a network of sensors to quickly identify the warning signs of an approaching earthquake. When a quake is detected, alerts can be sent seconds to minutes before stronger shaking arrives, allowing people and systems to take protective actions like dropping, covering, and holding on or stopping critical processes. This early notice helps reduce injuries, damage, and chaos by providing precious time to prepare before the main quake strikes.