Originally Posted by
wwu123
Not to trivialize natural disasters, but I heard from co-workers that if you're in Japan in a large public venue or meeting and everyone's mobile goes off at once, then everyone stops what they're doing and checks their phone, that's probably the earthquake alert systemwarning of a potential imminent quake.
Whereupon it is observed that no one ACTUALLY moves to a location of safety, instead they just stop moving and waits quietly for about 30 seconds, then resumes their business or activity. The explanation being that the alert gives just a few seconds warning usually, and so if it doesn't hit in 30 seconds, it was a false alarm. But if it does hit ... hmm?
The early warning system notification arriving at phones gives data on where and how strong the quake is so by a quick glance at the phone anyone can ascertain whether they should duck and cover or stay put. You have about 15-20 seconds to shut off gas (if at home), duck and cover etc. once the early warning notification arrives. To randomly run into the streets as we saw in NY and DC with the earthquake there is the height of stupidity.