If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Few things bring people together on the West Coast like an earthquake. Whether it’s rushing to Twitter to see if the jolt you felt was real, or planning your pod (and prepping your pad ) in case the “big one” hits, the threat of an earthquake isn’t just part of Universal Studios lore — it’s a very likely occurrence.
When it comes to safely navigating natural disasters, knowledge is power. Wherever you live geographically, it is important to know what threats you are up against and what it means to be prepared. If you live in a region of the world that experiences earthquakes, earthquake alert alarms are easy-to-install tools that help give you a more advanced warning of the impending event.
While earthquake alert alarms are not a substitute for following local warnings and evacuation orders, they are complementary tools. The best earthquake alert alarms work by detecting the P-wave (compression wave) of an earthquake, which travels faster than the more destructive S-wave (shear wave). This technology allows for the detection of earthquakes that occur miles away.
Having a properly-installed earthquake alert alarm can make the difference between having enough time to escape to safety and having to endure the earthquake from where you are. The best earthquake alert alarms also function as SOS lights that can help you flag down rescuers. When shopping for the best earthquake alert alarm for your home, it’s important that the alarm is easy to use and install.
These devices are built to help in times of emergency – not to overcomplicate already stressful situations. Here are the best earthquake alarms to buy online right now. $38.
50 Designed through extensive research and testing, the MayDay Quake Alarm is the earthquake detector we use at home and it’s a trustworthy, effective tool for warning of impending shakes. Not only can it detect quakes that happen miles away, it is also capable of detecting aftershocks, building tilting, and shaking. It’s especially reassuring to have on hand for people like us, who live in apartments.
The Quake Alarm chimes each time the building sways in sync to an earthquake’s motion. This helps provide you with a sense of the earthquake’s frequency and magnitude. If the worst happens and there is a building collapse, the Quake Alarm will ring when tilted, holding a constant alarm for hours and serving as an SOS call.
Plus, we also like this alarm for its newly improved, easy and durable mounting hardware. This is a must-have tool for anyone living in a heavy earthquake zone. $59.
99 The GatherWay earthquake alarm not only gives you a warning in the event of a potential earthquake, it also serves as an escape tool thanks to its built-in flashlight. In three easy steps, the GatherWay alarm and its base can be mounted to the wall, where it will stay until in the event of an emergency. If a geomagnetic abnormality does occur, an alert will flash in red along with a ticking sound.
This is your signal to escape to safety. The device can be removed from its base and then used as a flashlight with both white light and SOS modes. What we like: the alarm is loud and resonant, alerting people to your location in case you need assistance.
It’s also cheap enough where we’ve bought one of these for different rooms in the house, just to be sure. $47.01 Another good option on Amazon is this earthquake detector, which picks up seismic activity by detecting the P wave (compression wave) of an earthquake.
The brand says its advanced sensors can even detect small rumbles that aren’t easily picked up by humans, giving you advanced warning in case a bigger aftershock is coming up. What we like: this earthquake alarm will sound a loud tone when a quake happens but automatically shuts off and resets once the shaking stops. $7.
14 This miniature earthquake alarm only measures 90 by 55 by 27 mm, making it a compact pickup that blends in easily to your living space. It’s small but mighty, using shake alarm technology to alert you of impending earthquakes. If the alarm is triggered, it immediately issues a 120-decibel warning sound.
Fitting with its compact design, this earthquake alert alarm also has a hassle-free installation process. It uses a magnetic back that will adhere to any metal surface and can also be hung up for your convenience..
