East Coast Gets a Fair Shake; Earthquake Safety Reminder

The magnitude-5.8 earthquake that rattled the East Coast today is an unusual occurrence and the largest temblor to hit the region since the late 19th Century, but the area has had its share of quakes in the past, seismologists at the U.S. Geological Survey in Pasadena said today.

The quake occurred just before 2 p.m. Eastern time, centered 38 miles northwest of Richmond, Va. The quake was felt up and down the East Coast -- most notably in Washington, D.C., but also as far south as Atlanta.

"That's a feature of earthquakes on the East Coast,'' USGS seismologist Lucy Jones said. "The rocks there are colder and older and harder than the rocks in California, do a better job of transmitting energy. So the same size earthquake is felt over a much wider area along the East Coast.

"It does sound like there has been some damage,'' she said. "I would expect that most of the damage would be down in the area of the epicenter, east of Charlottesville and west of Richmond.''

The quake came as a definite surprise to people up and down the East Coast, but the area does have a history of seismic activity.

"This event happened within the Central Virginia Seismic Belt, and there have been over a couple hundred earthquakes within that belt since the late 70s when they started doing more detailed recording of earthquakes,'' USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut said. "The largest in recent times was a four and a half in 2003, but there was one in the late 1800s that may have been a magnitude-4.8, so it's not unprecedented to have earthquakes in this seismic belt between Charlottesville and Richmond, but this is the largest within that zone."

Kate Hutton, a seismologist at Caltech, said today's quake was the largest on the East Coast since 1897, when a magnitude-5.9 quake struck in Virginia.

Jones noted that the USGS headquarters in Reston, Va., was evacuated after the quake to be checked for damage.

"One time, an earthquake there is quite unlikely,'' Jones said. "The fact that eventually there's an earthquake there is not a surprise, because it is an area that's had earthquakes in the past. This is a recognized seismic zone, meaning it has had more earthquakes than we normally see out on the East Coast.''

Patch Has it Covered from the Quake Zone

For complete Patch coverage of today's quake from towns affected along the East Coast region, visit any of the following Patch sites:

Georgetown Patch

Fredricksburg Patch

Woodbridge Patch

Manassas Park Patch

Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn Patch

Ballston-Virginia Square Patch

Bethseda Patch

Fairfax City Patch

Earthquake Reminder: Preparation is the Key

Any temblor serves as a reminder to residents and businesses in the Cerritos-Artesia area that it is important to know how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake.

Keep a list of the following earthquake preparedness tips from the California Office of Emergency Services to ensure that you're ready for the next one. 

Before an Earthquake

• Prepare an emergency kit of food, water and supplies including a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, batteries, medicines, a first aid kit, money and clothing.
• Know the safe spots in each room – under sturdy tables, desks or against interior walls.
• Know the danger spots – near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
• Conduct practice drills so you and your family know the safe locations in your home.
• Decide how and where your family will reunite if you become separated during an earthquake.
• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative who family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and conditions.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. Do not attempt to relight the gas pilot; call the utility company.
• Secure your water heater and major appliances as well as tall, heavy furniture, hanging plants, mirrors and picture frames – especially those over beds.
• Keep breakables, heavy objects and flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays and cleaning products in secured cabinets or on lower shelves.

During an Earthquake

• If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or stand in a corner.
• If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
• If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators.
• If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your car until the shaking is over.
• If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Crouch and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

After an Earthquake

• Unless there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, do not attempt to use the telephone.
• Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source and immediately report gas leaks to your utility company. Check for downed power lines; warn others to stay away.
• Check your building for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation.
• Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and follow instructions.
• Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
• If you evacuate, leave a message at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.

- City News Service contributed to this report.