Japanese gadget can predict tremors before they hit

A Japanese company has created a home appliance the size of a paperback novel that can warn of earthquakes seconds before they strike.

Using the early warning system network and data provided by Japan's Meteorological Agency (JAMA) via the Internet, the appliance sounds off a loud countdown of up to 20 seconds to the moment the tremor begins. via Reuters

[Iria]

Talk to me when it's hours or days ... :-)

[austin]

Iria wrote:

Talk to me when it's hours or days ...:-)

I agree lmao, in reality what can 20 seconds accomplish, I guess a "little" but frankly i cant enen put on my undies and socks in that amount of time!! lol!!!!

[Der Leinengukels]

Yeah, maybe not so much for individuals directly, although the thing could be hooked up for gas and electricty shut-off switches to prevent accidents as mentioned. Another thing I've read about is for emergency services, such as fire stations and ambulance garages, to open their doors so they don't get shut in if they come off track. No kidding -- even a few seconds, for something like that, can make it better after the quake hits.

[zebbie]

i wonder if its measuring the pk waves. a lot of that work showed promise . also, in an earthquake 20 seconds is an ETERNITY. so 20 seconds before will save millions of lives over time.

[RICK]

It won't last long...I had some stamped steel model cars from Japan