Southern California was rattled by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake that shook several miles from Bakersfield Tuesday night.
The earthquake struck at 9:09 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and was followed by at least two dozen aftershocks with up to a 4.5 magnitude. There was no major damage or injuries reported.
While the epicenter was in Kern County’s Lamont, residents from across Los Angeles County, including Boyle Heights, reported feeling the shaking.
Tuesday’s earthquake serves as a wake-up call for all Californians. The most recent major quake to hit Southern California was in July 2019, when a pair of earthquakes with a magnitude 6.4 and 7.1 struck Ridgecrest in Kern County on July 4 and July 5. Before that, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Northridge in 1994, killing 58 people.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Los Angeles area has a 60% percent chance of an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater in the next 30 years.
Here’s what you need to know to stay prepared for a major quake:
California’s emergency alerts
The California Earthquake Early Warning system will automatically warn residents on wireless devices seconds before an earthquake strikes. The program works with the USGS to send free text alerts to residents the moment a quake over magnitude 5.0 is detected, similar to an Amber Alert.
The MyShake app is also a way for users to get earthquake alerts several seconds before shaking begins. The app calculates location and sends alerts and alarms when an earthquake is estimated to be of magnitude 4.5 or higher. The free app for iPhone and Android users is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded on the Apple App and Google Play stores.
Android Earthquake Alerts are automatically downloaded on Android phones. The system uses the same technology as the MyShake App.
Basic earthquake kit
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription eyeglasses and medicines
- Necessities for any infants or pets
List compiled from fema.gov. Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF).
What to do during an earthquake
- If you’re indoors, stay there. Do not run. Get under a desk or table, cover your head and hold on or stand against an interior wall. If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
- If you’re outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
- If you’re driving, move the car out of traffic and stop the car away from bridges, trees, light posts, signs and power lines. Set your parking brake.
- If you’re in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides.
- If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking, and do not rush for an exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Creating a family emergency plan
- Discuss with your family potential hazards that could impact your local area; what to do if your community’s warning signal sounds and where to take shelter if the area is evacuated.
- Determine where to meet in an emergency. Designate one location right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and another location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
- Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be your emergency contact. Following a disaster, family members should call this person and tell him or her where they are because local phone circuits often are busy after a disaster.
- Make a communication plan so that all family members know how to contact each other. A form for recording this information can be found at www.ready.gov or at www.redcross.org/contactcard.
- Include plans for your pets in your family disaster plan.
Practice the plan. - Get home/property insurance.
