Name– Shreya Mahendra Yadav
School– Jai Hind High School
Project Title– Earthquake Alarm System
Description - The Earthquake Alarm, is a prototype for a localized Early Warning System designed to bridge the gap between a seismic event and human reaction time.
The science behind this device relies on the detection of P-waves (Primary waves), which are the first longitudinal waves to reach the surface during an earthquake. While these waves are fast and often unfelt by humans, they precede the slower, highly destructive S-waves (Secondary waves). Using a sensor based on the Law of Inertia, my device remains momentarily stationary while the ground and the alarm’s frame move, completing an electrical circuit that triggers an instant audible and visual alert.
This creates a ‘Golden Window’ of several seconds, allowing people to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ before the heavy shaking begins. Beyond a simple buzzer, this research demonstrates how low-cost sensors can be integrated into smart infrastructure to automatically shut off gas lines or open emergency exits. By focusing on precision calibration to filter out everyday vibrations, this project proves that we can use basic physics and accessible electronics to provide a life-saving advantage in disaster-prone regions. Thank you.