How to Compare Earthquake Warning Technologies

A competent earthquake warning system must have the following qualities and capabilities to deliver an actionable warning even at the earthquake’s epicenter. 

1. Warning Time and Bind Zones: Initiating emergency protective actions due to timely warnings and avoiding Blind Zones is the name of the game. A warning time is the interval between the issuance of an alert and the arrival of the S-wave. Even 5–10 seconds can be invaluable to initiating actions. A Blind Zone is the area created when the S-wave arrives before the warning is issued. Every user, especially urban area users, must have EQW systems designed to expand warning times and eliminate Blind Zones.

   Pro-teq products do not have a Blind Zone.  We can deliver protection even at the epicenter of the quake. We are the only technology on the market that can make this statement.

2. False and Missed Alarms: A false alarm is when a warning action is taken but the conditions did not occur. A missed alarm is when conditions occur, but a warning action is not taken. All false and missed alarms must be avoided. False alarms cost money in lost productivity and equipment downtime. They cause unnecessary anxiety, frustration, and ultimately erode confidence in EQW technology.

   Pro-teq is engineered not to fail.  Unlike our competitors, we have recorded no false or missed alarms on our systems.

3. Reliability: Reliability measures the percentage of time the system is functional and capable of issuing alerts. Systems with multiple points of failure must be avoided. Autonomous, standalone systems are the most reliable.

   Pro-teq's flagship product, ONSITE, is an autonomous earthquake warning device that operates independent of a network while at the same time allowing access to a network to support our higher performance. 

4. Resilience: Resilience is the system’s ability to continue operating after the earthquake damages supporting infrastructure, such as power grids or communications networks. Resiliency is a key factor for mitigating recovery costs. 

   Pro-teq has the presence of local processing and alert issuance capabilities, the ability to switch to backup power and communication channels through the use of decentralized or mesh networking.

5. Customizability: An earthquake warning system must support user criteria for the conditions for which actions are to be taken. It should be able to adjust based on the current state of equipment or systems to be controlled.

   Pro-teq Systems are 100% customizable to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.  Competing products that are network-dependent cannot customize their products to meet your needs.

6. Performance Auditing: The system should measure ground motions and compare with forecasted intensities. After an earthquake, reports should be available assessing the system's performance at the user's location.

   Pro-teq's earthquake warning technology continuously measures itself to provide the most accurate and timely performance.

7. Security: The system must be designed with cyber security in mind. Simpler systems have smaller attack surfaces and are thereby more secure. The earthquake warning system should not require access to internal networks. Control interfaces should be protected and simplified (e.g., a relay is more secure than SCADA).

   Pro-teq’s autonomous product, ONSITE, has a very small attack surface making it highly secure.  Network-dependent systems have multiple points of failure making them vulnerable and insecure.

8. Support: The system should be monitored continuously for faults and performance metrics. There should be a way to determine system improvements based on performance measurements. The system should also allow for training, drills, and other services to ensure effectiveness.

   Pro-teq continuously monitors every device throughout the world for performance and instantly self-corrects any momentary errors found in the system.  Our technology provides the basis for excellent training, drills, and exercises better preparing your staff for the actual event.

9. Price vs Cost: Quality is not determined by price alone. The purchase price of an EQW system is an important consideration, however, the cost of having a system which does not initiate protective actions before the earthquake can be enormous.

   Pro-teq is the most cost effective earthquake protection available and Pro-teq’s technology does not have a Blind Zone.