Earthquake Sentinel: The swaying starts, followed by...
Earthquake Sentinel: The swaying starts, followed by a rolling motion and then a big jolt.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of people who won’t even notice an earthquake.
Anaheim engineering consultant Jim Wise has come up with Quake Alert! which, like an in-home smoke alarm, gives off a piercing sound once the action starts. Wise said that people spend precious time deciding if what they are feeling is a quake--time that could be better spent getting to safety.
Other earthquake detection alarms have been on the market, but Wise said his is different. For one thing, it includes electronic sensors--powered by a 9-volt battery--that only detect a quake of 3.0 or greater in magnitude. This prevents false alarms from sonic booms, high winds or a passing train. The device has been tested with manual, electronic and vibration equipment, he said.
The alarm can be installed on ceilings, right next to the smoke detectors.
Quake Alert! sells for $149.95, has a one-year warranty and is now sold by mail and telephone orders. It will be available in retail stores late next year. Wise said he expects to get a patent on the product in November.
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