SALEM, Ore. — People in Oregon will be better prepared for earthquakes as an early warning system launched Thursday, the 10th anniversary of a devastating quake and tsunami in Japan.
The ShakeAlert system, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, cannot predict an earthquake but can give people a jump on seeking cover and time to brace themselves.
It can also slow trains to reduce derailments, open firehouse doors so they don’t jam shut and protect water systems with automatic shutoffs.
California has already joined the system and Washington state will join in May, completing coverage of the West Coast.