New 'ShakeAlert' earthquake warning system to launch in Washington in May; drill next week
Washingtonians will soon have a new tool to be more prepared for the "really big one" — a major earthquake event.
A new "ShakeAlert" earthquake early warning system will begin rolling out in both Oregon and Washington this spring with the ability to sent an alert to wireless devices, giving residents crucial seconds to prepare for shaking.
The system, created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Advanced National Seismic System (ADNN), is a network of sensors that can detect seismic shaking and provide information such as the magnitude, location and expected duration to partners who will then distribute it via cell phone, radio, internet and television alert to residents.
While residents drop, hold and cover during the shaking, the alerts can also initiate other protective actions such as stopping trains to prevent derailments, halting surgeries at hospitals and shutting off water valves to protect infrastructures.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/new-shakealert-earthquake-warning-system-to-launch-in-washington-in-may-drill-next-week/ar-BB1dLI7R?ocid=hplocalnews
