The CA ShakeAlert earthquake warning system now uses GPS data to determine its magnitude

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — New developments that could make a difference for you in the next big earthquake. On Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey announced a major improvement to its ShakeAlert system, all because of data collected by satellites.

You will now receive an alert on your phone when an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater occurs nearby.

Now, satellite data has been integrated into the warning system.

Therefore, if there is a very large earthquake, people will find out its size and where its epicenter is much sooner.

Scientists say this will give us more time to take action.

Major earthquakes can mean major damage.

MORE: Will San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge survive the next big earthquake? USGS details new threat

“Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 are usually the ones that cause damage,” said Bob de Groot of the USGS.

So early warning can be key to protecting people and infrastructure.

The ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system sends alerts to users in California, Oregon and Washington via a phone app.

These warnings, which usually last only a few seconds, depend on how far you are from the epicenter.

De Groot is a member of the Major Tremor Alert Operations Team.

“We have now integrated GPS data into our overall data that feeds into how we collect information about earthquakes,” De Groot said. “GPS sensors will allow more accurate identification of the growing volume.”

More: Why Californians got false earthquake test alert 7 hours before Great CA ShakeOut

By combining data from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and using data from 1,500 seismic sensors, scientists will be able to give people more opportunities to protect themselves – to fall, to cover, to hold on.

Here's how it works.

“GPS sensors measure how much the ground is moving up and down, sideways and left to right. Seismic sensors tell us how fast the ground is moving,” De Groot said.

“I think it's very exciting because it brings a whole new type of observation that we didn't have in the system before 403, and improves its functionality for the very large earthquake that we will eventually experience,” geophysicist Jeszek Murray said. With the US Geological Survey.

The San Francisco Emergency Department welcomed improvements to its vibrating alert system. She issued this statement:

“We are encouraged by recent advances in earthquake warning technology and look forward to continuing our work with the USGS to ensure San Franciscans have the closest warnings possible. We encourage everyone to take steps today to prepare for the next devastating earthquake.”

The USGS says the system is more than 90% complete. Another 500 seismic sensors need to be added by the end of 2025.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos