Alaska Gets Earthquake Alerts on Phones

0:00Alaskans are inching toward earthquake alerts on their phones, seconds before the ground shakes. The U.S. Geological Surveys, ShakeAlert System, already running in other states and countries, just got a boost from Congress with $34 million. $900,000. Out of that, $2 million heads to Alaska to kick things off. ShakeAlert spots fast, fast-moving P-Waves from quakes before the slower, damaging S-Waves hit. Sensors near the epicenter relay data to centers like the one in Fairbanks, sending warnings with shake-strength estimates. That could give folks time to duck under desks or pull over safely. State-size-mologist Michael West, who's pushed for this over a decade, calls it a turning point. Senator Lisa Murkowski helps snag the funds, stressing Alaska's top seismic risks, and her push for safety tools. Experts say it saves lives by buying those precious seconds. The first phase needs $66 million of front, plus $12 million yearly to run. West plans to start

1:03in high-risk spots like South Central, Kodiak, Fairbanks, and Prince William Sound, where monitorings are already solid and people. Live, with this seed money, groundwork ramps up, but state cash will be keyed on the line. Alaska's quake prep just leveled up, putting real warnings within reach. You've been listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news.