USGS ShakeAlert

USGS ShakeAlert is an early warning system designed to detect earthquakes quickly and send alerts seconds before shaking reaches your location. It uses a network of seismometers to identify initial quake signals (p-waves) and predicts the more damaging secondary waves (s-waves). The goal is to provide people and communities with precious moments to take protective actions, such as dropping, covering, and holding on or securing critical systems. While it doesn't prevent earthquakes, ShakeAlert helps reduce injuries and damage by giving advance notice to save lives and safeguard property.