The tragic events in Nepal showed the potential of earthquakes to destroy homes and lives.
While there have been advances in earthquake detection and notification, there is still room for improvement when it comes to giving earlier notice and saving lives.
One of the most promising developments may be your phone’s GPS. Yes, that’s right: In addition to letting you watch videos, answer emails, stay connected during an emergency and more, you may someday have access to phones that detect earthquakes.
It sounds crazy, but researchers have shown that a smart phone’s GPS could detect earthquake tremors. With mere seconds making the difference between life and death, the early warning could save lives.
Earthquake seismologists, however, are raising concerns about phones that detect earthquakes. For starters, enabling a phone’s GPS drains the battery. There’s also the issue that phones could behave unpredictably during an earthquake.
Still, scientists agree that phones that detect earthquakes are promising. Read more about this emerging technology at the Science magazine website.
Earthquakes more widespread than you think
Earthquakes occur in more places in the United States than just California. Over the years, there have been dozens of higher-magnitude earthquakes in states like Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Smaller-magnitude earthquakes have occurred in more states still.
Earthquakes of any size have the potential to harm your home, car or business. Because earthquakes can cause such devastating and widespread damage, standard insurance policies do not include coverage for them.
Fortunately, there are affordable endorsements for your home, car and business that offer earthquake protection. Talk with an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance Agent to learn more and get a free quote.
Read the full story from Erie Insurance: “Cell Phones that Detect Earthquakes?“
