Google recently announced that its Android Earthquake Alerts system will soon be available across all 50 U.S. states and six U.S. territories. Initially, the service was limited to Washington, Oregon, and California.
This expanded availability means that all compatible Android devices in these areas will receive alerts seconds before an earthquake occurs. The alerts work by using traditional seismometers to detect seismic activity. Google is enhancing existing government earthquake alert systems, such as USGS ShakeAlert, by offering support in regions where these systems aren't available. In these locations, Android devices equipped with built-in accelerometers will provide an additional layer of preparedness for residents.
According to Google, when a phone detects shaking, the Android Earthquake Alerts System analyzes crowdsourced data to confirm if an earthquake is occurring in the area. Currently, the system can detect earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher. It will then send one of two alert types:
Be Aware: Indicates weak or light shaking.
Take Action: Indicates moderate to extreme shaking.
This feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks, as noted in the announcement.
Source: Google
