Californians Asked to Volunteer to Have Earthquake Sensors in Homes

Scientists want to know just how much shaking is going on in California house.

The U.S. Geological Survey issued a request this week for volunteer homes in Southern California to host one of its earthquake sensors.

The USGS says it wants to install 35 of the shoebox-sized devices known as NetQuakes Sensors to record strong ground motions and send the measurements to the agency over the Internet.

The information will be used to help with emergency response after earthquakes.

USGS officials say they’re looking for homes that are quiet and out-of-the-way, but near population centers and active faults. Areas that need sensors include southern Orange County, northern San Diego County and Riverside County along Interstate 15.

Potential volunteers can fill out an application at the USGS website.