The big quake is predicted to strike along the San Andreas Fault line.
Earthquake early warning systems use earthquake science and the technology of monitoring systems to alert devices and people when shaking waves generated by an earthquake are expected to arrive at their location. The seconds to minutes of advance warning can allow people and systems to take actions to protect life and property from destructive shaking.
Even a few seconds of warning can enable protective actions such as:
Public: Citizens, including schoolchildren, drop, cover, and hold on; turn off stoves, safely stop vehicles.
Businesses: Personnel move to safe locations, automated systems ensure elevators doors open, production lines are shut down, sensitive equipment is placed in a safe mode.
Medical services: Surgeons, dentists, and others stop delicate procedures.
Emergency Crews: Open firehouse doors, personnel prepare and prioritize response decisions.
Power infrastructure: Protect power stations and grid facilities from strong shaking.
San Andreas fault 'locked, loaded and ready to roll' with big earthquake, expert says http://fw.to/wyHRBBN