Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many customers are able to perform the integration themselves in as little as 30 minutes without the need for a formal project management process or external vendors.

Early Warnings Labs systems are designed for seamless integration with both new and existing facility infrastructure. Depending on your setup, our technology can integrate through hardware or software with systems like Bogen, Singlewire, and Johnson Controls.
Common integration points include:

• Public address and intercom systems for audio alerts
• Fire alarm systems (e.g., Edwards, Siemens, Honeywell)
• IP phone and radio networks for staff communication
• Digital signage for on-screen alerting
• Elevators, escalators, and people movers for automatic recall or shutdown
• Building automation systems (HVAC, gas, lighting, access control)
• Emergency lighting and backup power systems
• Transit and fleet systems (rail, airports, logistics operations)

Early Warning Labs works directly with facility engineers and service contractors to identify compatible systems and design custom integrations.

No. Early Warning Labs technology integrates with current operational infrastructure already installed at your facility, as well as any existing safety and communication systems. Our gateway connects through standard relays and interface modules, enabling automated alerts and responses through the equipment already in place.

Early Warning Labs is a proud official licensed partner of the U.S. Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert® system. This partnership authorizes EWL to receive, process, and distribute ShakeAlert earthquake data to commercial and institutional users throughout the United States.

Early Warning Labs systems currently protect more than ten million people daily throughout the United States, with our coverage and commercial deployments always growing.

Early Warning Labs believes that all organizations with physical facilities and on-site people would benefit from robust emergency early warning systems. Our current roster of clients include hospitals, transportation systems, municipal facilities, seaports, universities, corporate campuses, and more.

Early Warning Labs currently operates our ShakeAlert® coverage across California, Oregon, and Washington. Additional regions will be added as seismic monitoring networks expand.

Yes. Every installation can be tailored to the building’s specific safety plan. Examples include:

• Recalling elevators to the nearest floor and opening doors
• Announcing pre-recorded or live voice alerts
• Isolating sensitive laboratory or manufacturing equipment
• Automatically closing fire doors or gas valves
• Broadcasting alerts through PA or intercom systems

All actions are coordinated with safety officers to ensure compliance with codes and emergency response protocols.

Early Warning Labs gateways are designed for redundancy and resilience, maintaining multiple communication paths–cellular, wired, and local networks–to ensure alerts are received even if one connection fails. Each gateway also includes local buffering and autonomous functionality, allowing continued operation during temporary internet or power interruptions.

If your organization already uses a supported software platform (such as Singlewire, Bogen, or Johnson Controls), setup can take as little as 30 minutes. Early Warning Labs coordinates with your existing integrator to configure proper alerts, logic, and response planning.

For more complex hardware deployments, installation typically includes:

1. Site assessment and review of existing systems
2. Engineering and configuration of interfaces and alert logic
3. On-site installation of the EWL gateway and system connections
4. Testing and commissioning using simulated ShakeAlert signals
5. Ongoing monitoring through EWL’s cloud-based platform

Most complete projects are delivered in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on scope and system complexity.

Pricing is determined by building size, integration requirements, and alert customization. Smaller facilities may require only software-level integration, while large or multi-campus systems benefit from full hardware deployments.

For a quote specific to your organization, please reach out to us to set up a complimentary site assessment.

Early Warning Labs systems are continuously monitored through our secure cloud platform, with software updates automatically delivered to ensure reliability. We recommend minimal maintenance in the form of annual functional testing and verification.

Highly accurate. Early Warnings Labs leverages the USGS ShakeAlert® network, which processes real-time seismic data from thousands of sensors. Alerts are calibrated for precision and reliability, filtering out insignificant seismic events to prevent false alarms.

Yes. The system includes a test mode that allows simulated alerts and verification of automation sequences without activating audible or visual alarms.

EWL provides training materials, live instruction, and periodic drills. Most staff training focuses on basic safety procedures and system awareness rather than technical maintenance.

Yes. Thresholds can be adjusted based on your organization’s risk tolerance, occupancy type, or compliance requirements. These changes are reviewed and approved by Early Warning Labs engineers.

Early Warning Labs currently operates across California, Oregon, and Washington, the three U.S. states covered by the USGS ShakeAlert® network. Additional regions will be added as seismic monitoring networks expand.

Consumer apps provide personal alerts to individuals, but Early Warning Labs delivers automated, facility-level responses. This enables critical systems–such as elevators, alarms, and equipment–to respond instantly, even if no one is present.

Each alert includes event magnitude, distance from the epicenter, estimated shaking intensity, and expected arrival time. Visual and audio indicators reinforce clarity and urgency.

All systems are continuously monitored by EWL’s network operations center. Automated health checks ensure gateways and integrations remain active and ready to respond.

Yes. Multi-site management is available via a centralized dashboard. Users can view status, trigger tests, and monitor alerts for all connected facilities under a single account.