Sen. Alex Padilla Talks About Earthquake Alert System in Santa Barbara

State Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) came through Santa Barbara to talk about an earthquake warning system he says is more possible now than ever and it will save lives.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill recently. Now funding options will be researched.

If it is implemented signals from statewide sensors could be part of the early alert system through alarms, and smart phones to tell residents to seek shelter. It could also slow passenger trains.

A system is in place in Japan, and it has gone off in recent large quakes there.

“I think it’s going to be a combination. Putting the alert out on different platforms, whether it’s an emergency broadcast system or sirens in tsunami areas,” said Sen. Padilla. He also suggests an ap on a smart phone that residents can download as part of their emergency readiness plan.

Sen. Padilla is also running for Secretary of State in the 2014 election. He is currently visiting with elections officials in all California counties.