http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/20/earthquake-prediction-technology_n_1814443.html

Dr. Lucy Jones revealed that USGS could eventually let people know to duck and cover before the ground beneath their feet starts shaking. "We've reached the point where we can process things so quickly that we have the potential of getting you the information that an earthquake's begun before the waves themselves get to you," said Dr. Jones. She demonstrated an earthquake early warning system that can give precious seconds of warning before an earthquake reaches you. But the system isn't in place for actual use yet.