[9][10][11] Early warning systems could be developed and used to prevent and mitigate pandemics, e.g. before they spillover from other animals to humans, and disease outbreaks.[14] European countries have also seen early warning systems help communities adapt to drought, heat waves, disease, fire, and other related effects of climate change.[15] Similarly the WHO recommends early warning systems to prevent increases in heatwave related morbidity and disease outbreaks.The Environment Agency in England have set up a National scale Prioritisation and Early Warning System (PEWS) for contaminants of emerging concern.[21][22] However, early warning systems can be used to detect a wide range of events, such as vehicular collisions, missile launches, disease outbreaks, and so forth.
An animation detailing how earthquake warning systems work: When
P waves
are detected, the readings are analyzed immediately, and, if needed, the warning information is distributed to advanced users and
cell phones
, radio, television,
sirens
, and
PA systems
/
fire alarm systems
before the arrival of
S waves
.