Quake warnings, seismic culture

Since 1990, nearly one million people have died from the impacts of earthquakes. Reducingthose impacts requires building a local seismic culture in which residents are aware ofearthquake risks and value efforts to mitigate harm. Such efforts include earthquakeearly warning (EEW) systems that provide seconds to minutes notice of pending shaking.Recent events in Mexico provide an opportunity to assess performance and perception ofan EEW system and highlight areas for further improvement. We have learned that EEWsystems, even imperfect ones, can help people prepare for earthquakes and build localseismic culture, both beneficial in reducing earthquake-related losses.