Earthquake alerts on smartphones offer crucial warnings mere seconds before the shaking begins, providing vital time to seek immediate safety. Utilizing advanced technology to detect seismic activity, these alerts help minimize injuries and save lives. Enabling this feature ensures preparedness and swift response during an earthquake, making it an indispensable tool for personal safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on activating the earthquake warning system on smartphones.

How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android Phones

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, it is necessary to ensure that both mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled to access the internet. Additionally, the phone's location services must be activated to receive accurate alerts based on the right direction.

Enabling of the Alarm

Locate and tap the settings icon on the home screen. Scroll down to select the 'Safety and Emergency' option. Once inside, find the 'Earthquake Alerts' option, where the switch can be toggled to activate the alert on the device.

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Generally, these steps are almost the same for most phones that support the Google Play Store or Android model.

Additional Features

On the same screen, there is a small feature titled 'Demo' that simulates the smartphone's alert during an earthquake. It includes sounding an alarm, displaying earthquake magnitude and distance, and providing immediate action recommendations.

Furthermore, following the 'Demo' option, there is another feature called 'Learn Earthquake Safety Tips'. It redirects to Google search and automatically displays safety information without requiring a search query to be typed.

Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake

Alternative Access for Some Devices

Some Android phones may not have the 'Safety and Emergency' option in 'Settings'. In that case, the feature can be found in 'Location'. That is, after turning on the phone's location, it doesn’t need to go back to the settings. On the 'Location' screen, scroll further down to find the direct 'Earthquake Alert' option.

Device Compatibility

These steps are generally applicable to Android devices using Android 5 (Lollipop) and above. Versions below Android 12 may have slight variations in enabling the alarm.

Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe

How to Turn on Earthquake Alarm on iPhones

Apple device users should navigate to the phone's 'Settings', then select 'Notifications'. From there, scroll down on the new screen to locate 'Emergency Alerts'. Activating this option toggles the earthquake alarm.

How the Alert System Works

Google's Earthquake Alarm system operates by leveraging the accelerometer sensors present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity. These sensors can detect both surface vibrations and movements within structures, providing real-time earthquake data.

Data Collection and Processing

When Earthquake Alarm is enabled on an Android device, the accelerometer continuously monitors for seismic tremors. Upon detecting vibrations indicative of an earthquake, the smartphone immediately sends this data to Google's central server.

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The server aggregates data from multiple smartphones in the affected area. By analyzing the timing and intensity of tremors reported by these devices, the system determines the occurrence, magnitude, and epicenter of the earthquake.

Alert Distribution

Upon processing the seismic data, Google's server promptly sends alerts to Android devices located within the affected region. These alerts are crucial for providing timely warnings to users, allowing them to respond swiftly to potential seismic hazards.

There are two types of warning signals sent on earthquake levels:

Be Aware Signals

This signal is triggered for earthquakes with a magnitude up to 4.5 on the Richter scale. It notifies users through subtle vibrations, adjusted volume levels, and 'Do Not Disturb' settings on their phones.

Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts

Take Action Signals

When the earthquake magnitude exceeds 4.5, this warning is activated. The alert occupies the entire screen of the smartphone, overriding 'Do Not Disturb' settings to ensure immediate attention. The notification sound is prominently activated to alert users to take necessary precautions.

Summing Up

Activating earthquake alarms on smartphones, compatible with Android and iPhones, requires an active internet connection and enabled location services. Using accelerometer data ensures timely warnings, empowering users to respond effectively during seismic events. These alerts underscore the importance of technology in enhancing safety and disaster preparedness worldwide.

Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted?