Prior to the 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes that have hit Southern California over the last few days, residents of San Diego and the county were “guinea pigs” for a test of the state's new earthquake warning system, called a “Shake Alert.”
The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services is working with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the US Geological Survey (USGS) to test the warning system. Shake Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts, and will let people know if an earthquake stronger than a magnitude 5.0 is imminent. Most warnings will go to people's phones. Flyer printing can provide an explanation of the system.
Rachel Sierer Wooden, speaking for the OES, said the system would not be activated for anything lower than a 5.0, since smaller quakes are barely felt and usually cause little or no damage. The early warning is reserved for those events that could cause significant damage.
The test will help evaluate the potential of the warning system and its ability to save lives. It is hoped that the warning will encourage people to either seek shelter, or find a better place to wait out the event. Eventually, the system could initiate various lifesaving protocols, such as shutting off gas or water lines, or stopping or slowing the trolley.
According to Dr. Robert De Groot, who is with the USGS, the Shake System could eventually be tied into automatic systems that will close water valves, open the doors on firehouses, and slow down trains.
The system could be implemented statewide next year.
