If the earthquake fits the right profile a ShakeAlert® message is issued by the USGS. The message is picked up by ShakeAlert® partners which could be used to produce an alert to notify people to take a protective action such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On and/or trigger an automated action.

A large earthquake far away will feel like a gentle bump followed several seconds later by stronger rolling shaking that may feel like sharp shaking for a little while. A small earthquake nearby will feel like a small sharp jolt followed by a few stronger sharp shakes that pass quickly.

Earthquake early warning (EEW) 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 Best Earthquake Apps for 2020

• Earthquake Network – Realtime Alerts. (Image Source: Google Play Store)
• My Earthquake Alerts. (Image Source: Google Play Store)
• Earthquake: American Red Cross. (Image Source: Google Play Store)
• LastQuake. (Image Source: Google Play Store)
• Volcanoes & Earthquakes.
• 3D Earthquake.

In general, earthquakes generate Love waves over a range of periods from 1000 to a fraction of a second, and each period travels at a different velocity but the typical range of velocities is between 2 and 6 km/second.

Staying Safe Outdoors Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops. Try to get as far away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights as possible. If you’re in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop.

Stay away from windows and outside doors. If you’re outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home. Fasten shelves securely to walls.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors. Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready.

What do I do AFTER an earthquake?

1. If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound, use clean gauze or cloth if available.
2. If a person is not breathing administer CPR.
3. DO NOT attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury.
4. COVER injured persons with blankets to keep warm.

Avoid staying close to the beach, as earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. If you must evacuate after an earthquake, stay safe by making your way to a shelter or a disaster recovery center.

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture). Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes.

An average of 3.5 million people are affected by earthquakes every year. Earthquakes usually cause severe damage to urban centres, resulting in the loss of life and damage to homes and other infrastructure.

The primary effects of earthquakes are ground shaking, ground rupture, landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction. Fires are probably the single most important secondary effect of earthquakes.

tectonic earthquakes

The main causes of earthquakes fall into five categories:

• Volcanic Eruptions. The main cause of the earthquake is volcanic eruptions.
• Tectonic Movements. The surface of the earth consists of some plates, comprising of the upper mantle.
• Geological Faults.
• Man-Made.
• Minor Causes.

Over 80 per cent of large earthquakes occur around the edges of the Pacific Ocean, an area known as the ‘Ring of Fire’; this where the Pacific plate is being subducted beneath the surrounding plates. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world.