Community Corner

Record Earthquake Swarm Prompts Emergency Alert by the State

Scientists from California Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, Cal Tech and the Southern California Earthquake Center believe the activity could involve an earthquake as large as, or larger than, Sunday's earthquake.

The following is a news release from the California Emergency Management Agency issued in response to the strongest swarm of quakes California has seen in decades. The region's inland counties are most at risk, according to authorities.

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) advises that, for the next 24 hours, continued seismic activity may occur in the areas affected by

Scientists from California Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, Cal Tech and the Southern California Earthquake Center believe the activity could involve an earthquake as large as, or larger than, Sunday's earthquake, and could cause damage to older structures.

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Seismic swarms of this nature can continue, although diminish in magnitude and frequency, over the next several weeks.  

"Cal EMA has been, and will continue to be, in close coordination with local authorities to provide assistance and provide timely information regarding the potential ongoing impacts of this event" said Cal EMA Secretary Mark Ghilarducci. "Today's event serves as a reminder to all Californians that an earthquake can strike at any time. Take time now to prepare your family with emergency supplies and a practiced family emergency plan".    

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Cal EMA also reminds residents to take the following actions during an earthquake:

  • If indoors, stay there. Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On" by getting under a table or in a corner
  • If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, building, walls and power lines. 
  • If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overpasses and power lines. Stay inside the car until the shaking is over.
  • If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On". Get under a table or desk. Do not use elevators.
  • If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from the shelves containing objects that could fall.

For more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, contact your local office of emergency services or visit:  

Cal EMA - www.calema.ca.gov California Geological Survey - www.conserv.ca.gov

American Red Cross - www.redcross.org Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.ready.gov  

Cal EMA is responsible for the coordination of overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The agency is responsible for assuring the state's readiness to respond to and recover from all hazards - natural, manmade, war-caused emergencies and disasters - and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation efforts. Visit us online atwww.calema.ca.gov or @calema on Twitter and get the latest news at calemanews.wordpress.com. 


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