<p>Earthquake Early Warning is a system that uses earthquake science and technology monitoring systems to push notifications out to people via smart phones, internet, radio and a number of other devices when shaking is expected in a particular location. The seconds to minutes of advanced warning can allow people and systems to take actions to protect life and property from destructive shaking. (Learn more @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsIquoIeyjs) Similar warning systems are currently being used in Mexico, China and Japan and have stood the test of proven effectiveness. The development of this technology began in the U.S. in 2006 as a collaborative effort amongst numerous stakeholders (i.e. USGS, CalTech, Cal OES, California Geological Survey and several universities); however, has encountered challenges getting the appropriate funding necessary to move forward with implementation to make this service available to the public, until now perhaps. </p>
<p>A significant breakthrough in Earthquake Early Warning becoming a reality for California residents, business owners, tourists and other visitors took place two weeks ago when Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill No. 438 Earthquake Safety: Statewide Earthquake Early Warning System and Program. This bill repeals the ban on using the state general fund for earthquake notification and outlines the bureaucratic oversight of the program. This legislation, combined with the allocated $10 million from the state budget, approved earlier this year, has provided the “Golden State” with all of the pieces needed to finally begin rolling out the warning system known as “ShakeAlert” over the next couple of years. The OC Register covered this instrumental step towards statewide preparedness and outlined some specific examples of how this program will reduce the loss of life and economic impact in an article found @ http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warning-730593-earthquake-early.html</p>
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