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USA: From elevators to trains, earthquake early warning system grows as Trump threatens to kill it

Source(s): Los Angeles Times
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By Rong-Gong Lin II

While the future of the West Coast’s earthquake early warning system is in peril from President Trump’s proposed budget cuts, the network is beginning to slowly gain traction in both small and big ways.

A scattering of buildings are now equipped with audible alarms that will give occupants an advance warning ranging from seconds to more than a minute before the shaking from a major earthquake begins.

There are even buildings wired to prevent people from being trapped in elevators after an earthquake. The system is set up to trigger elevators to stop at the nearest floor for occupants to escape as an announcement is simultaneously broadcast: “Earthquake! Earthquake! Earthquake! Drop, cover and hold on!”

Facilities of all types are testing the software in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey, including airports, hospitals, oil refineries, pipelines, schools and universities, said Josh Bashioum, founder of Early Warning Labs, a company in Santa Monica developing technology to pipe USGS warnings into buildings.

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Hazards Earthquake
Themes Early warning Urban risk and planning
Country and region United States of America
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