Multiple Earthquakes Hit Northern California & Nevada

The U.S. Geological Survey has reported that multiple earthquakes hit Northern California and Nevada today. The jolts extended to the Nevada border. At 3:49 PM, an earthquake registering at 6.0 magnitude hit Markleeville in Alpine County. This is approximately 150 miles east of Sacramento, and 38 miles south of Lake Tahoe. Markleeville sits on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The quake was measured at 6 miles in-depth and lasted 20 seconds.

Soon after the first quake, more than 60 aftershocks followed within minutes of each other. They ranged from 1.0 to 4.6 near Markleeville, in the towns of Dardanelle in Tuolema County, and Walker in Mono County. The largest aftershock occurred near Dardenelle at 4:33 P.M. with a 4.6 magnitude.

The USGS stated that the 6.0 quake poses a 6% threat and that this could be an omen of a larger quake in California. The agency stated that the jolts were felt from the San Francisco Bay Area all the way to the east of Carson City, Nevada. This was the largest earthquake in this area since the 1994 quake, which hit at a 6.1 magnitude. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or damages as of yet.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement saying that the earthquakes have caused a rockslide on Highway 395 at Chris Flat in Walker Canyon. The highway has since been closed. According to the California Earthquake Authority, there are 3 fault lines that pose earthquake threats to the Sacramento region. These are the Sierra Nevada Fault, San Joaquin Fault, and the Cleveland Hills Fault lines.

The ShakeAlert warning system was activated in Sacramento 23 seconds before the quake started. It put out a warning of a 4.8 magnitude or greater. The system gave a 7-minute warning in Reno, Nevada.

PREPARING FOR AN EARTHQUAKE

California has always been known to have earthquakes. We have practiced earthquake drills in our schools and classrooms for decades. It is important to be prepared for a major earthquake. On September 16, 2020, after a series of wildfires in California, I wrote an article called “What to Pack if you Need to Evacuate.” In this particular article, I wrote details on preparing for a disaster. This means having a to-go bag packed and ready in case a disaster hits your neighborhood, area or town. In this article, I suggested that your bag be packed with medications, hygiene and first aid kits, along with toiletries, cash, clothes, shoes, bottled water, snacks, and pet food. The article is still available for you to read and follow.

Here are 12 specific tips for you to follow in order to prepare for an earthquake.

1. Secure your furniture so it can’t fall over or fall down.
2. Prepare a safety plan for yourself, family members and your pets..
3. Confirm the strength of your house.
4. Be ready to extinguish fires, have extinguishers in plain sight.
5. Take steps for fire prevention and early detection.
6. Prepare emergency supplies in advance.
7. Discuss emergency plans with your family members.
8. Know potential hazards in your area.
9. Keep informed about disasters.
10. Train yourself for emergencies.
11. Identify safe places in each room in your home.
12. Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with each member of your family.

If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. But if you are indoors, stay inside, do not run outside, and avoid doorways. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors but away from buildings. However if you are in a car, pull over, stop and set your parking brake. If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

For further information please visit ready.gov