System developers are on the cusp of launching the first public rollout in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and the Seattle/Tacoma area within the next year. Therefore, after finalizing agreements with local jurisdictions, warning systems would be in place to notify emergency responders of an impending tremor. Fire stations would be provided those indispensable seconds critical to rolling up doors, ensuring life-saving resources aren’t trapped. Rail systems will have time to slow or stop trains decreasing the risk of derailment. Schoolchildren and faculty would have time to drop, cover and hold on before the earth starts shaking.
According to Bay Area Earthquake Plan prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Office of Emergency Services, the Bay Area could see almost 223,000 casualties, including more than 2,500 fatalities, with a magnitude 7.8 earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. The Earthquake Early Warning System will save lives by enabling systems to take automated action and people to take protective action to keep out of harm’s way. In the future, as developers work with the telecommunications industry, the technology will be available for people to receive as notifications on their
mobile devices.
After years of research, testing and advocacy, eliminating this program would deny our communities the advances and benefits of the protection of life and property. Reckless abandonment of this effort as we near the launch of a system along the West Coast would be a reversal of our ingenuity and lifesaving innovations.
The Earthquake Early Warning System needs scientists, engineers and technicians to maintain it. Another $16 million above the program’s current budget is needed annually to operate the system. Such an investment drives the evolution of the technology. This will buy more time before a crisis, put people to work, and ultimately serves our goal of saving lives and protecting property.
The public should demand investment in the Earthquake Early Warning System and urge the Trump administration and Congress not to abandon this critical investment. Show your support by writing, emailing, or tweeting your congressional representative (www.house.gov/representatives/find).
The engineers, scientists and technicians have spent years developing the system with whatever support and funding they could cobble together. Now, they need your support as they make their case to the White House and Congress.
January 2017 - June 2017 - What's Shakin' Newsletter