By "minutes warning," do you mean to scientists sitting at seismographs? Because after 25 years in California, I've never yet heard a warning of a specific temblor. (Of course, there are the general warnings that the San Andreas, for example, is overdue for a major shift. But nothing that tells the individual when to expect the shaking to start.)
BTW, as someone who grew up in South Florida with hurricanes, but has spent his adult life in Southern California, let me add that hurricanes at least afford one the illusion of control. (And in some cases, such the areas below sea level during Katrina, it really is an illusion.) You can board up your windows, evacuate, etc.
Major earthquakes feel like the entire planet is suddenly running amok without warning.