Widespread Shaking Reported from Magnitude 3.8 Earthquake off Southern California Coast
Early Sunday morning, residents of Southern California experienced widespread shaking due to a magnitude 3.8 earthquake. The quake, which occurred around 2:30 a.m., was centered approximately 13.5 miles south of Malibu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Initially, the magnitude was reported as 4.1 but was later downgraded.
Thankfully, no major damage has been reported thus far. However, shaking was felt in various cities including Malibu, Santa Monica, other coastal communities, West Los Angeles, Culver City, and parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
As a precaution, residents are advised to take necessary steps to ensure their safety during seismic events. The American Red Cross recommends that each member of a household have their own emergency backpack. Backpacks should include essential items such as scissors, bandages, gauze, insurance cards, cut and rash creams, antiseptic cream, antihistamine tablets, cough syrup, alcohol towels, eye drops, distilled water, a whistle, and a poncho for protection against rain.
Additionally, backpacks should contain personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, cotton, cleaning towels, lotion, disposable tissues, razors, feminine towels, and contact lenses for individuals who require them. It is also crucial to have important documents like identification, license, passport, and social security cards in a waterproof bag.
Staying hydrated is crucial during emergencies. Individuals should have at least one gallon of water per person for a duration of 3 to 5 days. Non-perishable food items and a can opener should also be included in the emergency backpack.
It is recommended to equip each household with flashlights and enough batteries, as well as a self-charging radio and spare batteries to stay updated on emergency information. Furthermore, it is essential to have a gas shut-off tool and a medical kit containing a list of medications and sufficient doses for one week.
Lastly, it is advised to keep cash on hand as access to banks and ATMs may be limited during a major emergency.
While the recent earthquake did not result in significant damage, it serves as a reminder for Southern California residents to be prepared for future seismic activity. By taking these precautionary measures, individuals can ensure their safety and well-being during such events.