This Google feature could save lives during an earthquake

Google has launched a really useful feature for Android devices in India, called the earthquake alert system. The feature has been developed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC). This feature could be a boon, especially for those living in areas that see frequent seismic activity. Here’s why you may want to check it out, and how to use it.

How the earthquake alert system works

Google’s earthquake alert system provides Android users with early earthquake warnings if their surrounding areas are likely to be impacted. How it does that, is using Android devices’ in-built accelerometers.

When a device that is plugged in detects initial tremors, it automatically sends this data to Google servers. Using multiple such updates from several smartphones in a given area, Google’s servers can estimate both, the earthquake’s epicenter and magnitude. Subsequently, alerts are rapidly sent to all Android users in that area.

The feature sends users two types of alerts: “Be Aware” and “Take Action.”

The former is sent to users experiencing tremors of MMI 3 and 4, felt during earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 4.5. The alert shows up on one’s screen but doesn’t play sounds, especially if your phone is on Do Not Disturb mode.

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The second kind of alert, “Take Action,” is sent to devices that experience an MMI of 5 and above, during earthquakes of a magnitude over 4.5. However, during these, the alert does override Do Not Disturb/silent mode on a user’s device and plays a loud sound. That’s not all though. It also provides users with tips to protect themselves, such as running downstairs if they’re in a building, or ducking and taking cover under a table.

How to activate the earthquake alert system on your device

Before we tell you how to activate this feature on your device, please note that it is compatible only with devices running on Android 5.0 and above. Additionally, your device will also need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data at all times and have location services enabled on it.

Here’s how to activate the feature on your device.

1. Head to settings on your phone.

2. Search for “Safety and emergency”

3. Tap on “Earthquake alerts”

4. Turn the toggle on to activate the feature.

Now, you should automatically start receiving alerts the moment your Android device detects any seismic activity in your area.

Whether this feature works accurately remains to be seen. That said, it certainly could be useful in earthquake impact mitigation efforts in the future.