The purpose of EEW is to prevent injuries, save lives, protect assets, avoid follow fires, minimize business interruptions, and generally to mitigate the effects of an earthquake as much as possible.

To accomplish these goals, the EEWS must include the following:

• A method for detecting earthquakes
• The ability to rapidly disseminate real-time earthquake information throughout the affected region
• Devices to control equipment and alert people to initiate mitigations
• Comprehensive education and training programs to inculcate EEW responses
• Maintenance and monitoring services to ensure operation of the entire system
• Funding source capable of sustaining maintenance and education efforts for the long term