The fact that our country is located in an earthquake zone and the recent tremors have once again highlighted the importance of being aware and prepared in the event of an earthquake. Especially after the earthquakes felt in Istanbul, earthquake notification systems on smartphones have come to the fore again. Many users stated that they were informed about possible tremors in advance thanks to their phones. Like Google’s Android operating system, Apple’s iOS operating system can also send warnings to its users about potential earthquakes. So how do you turn on the iPhone earthquake early warning system? Here’s what you need to do step by step:
What is an Earthquake Early Warning System and Which Phones Have It?
The earthquake warning system is a vital feature that can be found in the settings menu of smartphones and sends users advance notifications in the event of a possible earthquake. These systems, which are offered in different ways on iOS and Android operating systems, detect seismic movements and warn users seconds in advance.
The earthquake warning system developed by Google only works on phones with the Android operating system. This system uses accelerometers found in more than 3 billion Android devices worldwide to detect ground shaking and send instant notifications to users in areas affected by the earthquake.
Apple users can benefit from the earthquake warning service offered by the iOS operating system. This feature can be activated via the 'Emergency' settings on iPhones.
How to Turn on Earthquake Alert on iPhone?
To activate earthquake early warning notifications on your iOS devices, follow the steps below carefully:
- Login to the Settings App: Open the “Settings” app by tapping on the home screen of your iPhone.
- Go to Notifications Tab: Tap on the “Notifications” tab from among the options listed in the Settings menu.
- Enable 'Vital Alert Notifications' Option: Scroll down to the bottom of the Notifications menu. Find the “'Vital Alert Notifications'” option near the bottom of the page and slide the switch next to it to the right to turn it on (green).
Once you complete these steps, you will have successfully turned on early earthquake warning notifications on your iPhone. Your phone will send you a notification as soon as it detects an earthquake and, depending on your settings, will play a loud alert. This way, you can be notified a few seconds before a possible earthquake and take the necessary precautions.
How Reliable Are Earthquake Warning Notifications?
Although early earthquake warning systems are generally reliable, as with any technological system, there are some limitations and potential errors in these systems. These systems use seismic data to make predictions, but they may not always work with 100% accuracy. The same earthquake notification may not reach some users, or some earthquake notifications may be delayed or incorrect.
Therefore, while it is important to trust earthquake warning notifications, it is vital to never neglect basic precautions that need to be taken during an earthquake. Always keep an emergency kit in your home, workplace or vehicle and learn how to act during an earthquake. Remember, being aware of earthquakes and being prepared is always the safest way to go. Stay safe!
