On February 10, Southern California experienced three earthquakes in 12 hours, with magnitudes of 3.6 and 3.0 being felt widely across the region. Community reports indicated strong awareness and response to the seismic activity. Experts recommend safety measures to mitigate risks during earthquakes.
On the evening of February 10, a 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California, marking the third seismic event in the area within just 12 hours, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred approximately 5 miles deep and 3 miles northeast of San Bernardino just before 10 p.m., with over 500 residents from locations such as Victorville and Riverside reporting its impact to USGS.
Earlier that same day, two additional earthquakes were recorded, beginning with a 3.6-magnitude quake at 9:44 a.m., followed by another measuring 3.0-magnitude just four minutes later at 9:48 a.m. The first quake garnered reports from over 600 individuals as far away as Barstow and Riverside, while the second was felt by around 70 people.
San Bernardino lies approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. The USGS explains that magnitude measures the energy released during an earthquake, replacing the older Richter scale classification. Earthquakes ranging from 2.5 to 5.4 are often felt but typically do not cause significant damage, while those below 2.5 are generally unnoticed by most individuals.
The rapid shaking of earthquakes can lead to serious hazards, including fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches. They can occur globally but are prevalent in regions like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. In the event of an earthquake, experts provide several critical safety tips.
For individuals in a vehicle, it is advisable to pull over and stop, ensuring that the parking brake is set. Those in bed should turn face-down and shield their heads with a pillow. If outdoors, it is essential to keep distance from buildings, while individuals indoors should shelter in place and avoid running outside, steering clear of doorways.
The primary strategy for self-protection during earthquakes is to “drop, cover, and hold on,” as officials recommend. Individuals should get down on their hands and knees and secure themselves under sturdy furniture if available, or, if not, crawl away from windows to an interior wall. Holding on to the selected shelter is crucial, as aftershocks often follow the initial earthquake event.
In summary, Southern California experienced three earthquakes on February 10, demonstrating the region’s seismic activity. The USGS reported significant community reports of these tremors, highlighting the importance of earthquake preparedness. Educational tips emphasize safety measures individuals should adopt during such events, further underscoring the necessity of understanding and responding properly during an earthquake for personal safety.
Original Source: www.sacbee.com
