Possible Gas Leak Evacuates Morris Co. Offices After Friday Quake

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The County of Morris government offices closed Friday afternoon because of a possible gas leak, after a moderate earthquake shook communities across the state.

Employees evacuated from the administration and hall of records building on Court Street in Morristown, officials said later Friday. The facility was later deemed safe, but officials closed all county offices to allow staff from Engineering and Buildings and Grounds to inspect the other buildings. Inspections are still ongoing as of Friday afternoon.

The office closure did not impact any essential staff and emergency responders, officials said.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management said they did not receive any reports of "significant widespread damage or injuries" after a magnitude 4.8earthquake shook much of the state on Friday morning. A magnitude 2.0 earthquake, also centered in New Jersey, followed around noon.

The OEM has asked local emergency authorities to check on nursing homes, hospitals, senior communities, and other critical facilities to see if they need resources.

"The Red Cross has set up resources should the county find that anyone is in need of housing and shelter," county officials added.

The state and the county have activated their Emergency Operation Centers, as well.

First responders are asking people not to call 9-1-1 unless it is a true emergency.

Local police departments and the Office of Emergency Management confirmed the United States Geological Survey's report of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake that occurred around 10:30 a.m. Friday.

This is the second earthquake that Morris County residents have experienced in less than a month — a smaller, 2.2 magnitude quake was also confirmed on March 15.