USGS Earthquake Alerts: Latest Reports and Safety Tips for Residents in High-Risk States

2024-07-06 15:19:20

United States Geological Survey (USGS) It issues daily alerts on earthquake movements felt throughout the United States; mainly, in states like California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas; and other areas where seismic activity usually occurs on a daily basis.

It’s worth mentioning that according to data collected from the USGS website, nearly 75% of the continental US, as well as Alaska and Hawaii, could experience a damaging earthquake at some point in the next century. This means that millions of residents are at risk of damage from catastrophic earthquakes, even in areas not traditionally considered prone to such events. In this context, I will share with you the latest earthquakes recorded by the aforementioned entity today, Saturday, June 6, 2024, in the following lines.

Tremor in the US today, July 6, according to USGS live

Follow LIVE and find out how to be prepared when an earthquake hits. Below, I leave you the information about the latest earthquake reports in the US today, Saturday, July 6, 2024:

Why do earthquakes happen in California?

There are two tectonic plates in California: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The Pacific Plate consists mostly of the Pacific Ocean floor and the California coast, while the North American Plate includes most of the North American continent and parts of the Atlantic Ocean floor.

The main boundary between these two plates is the San Andreas Fault, which is more than 650 miles long and extends to a depth of less than 10 miles. Many other small faults, such as the Hayward (Northern California) and San Jacinto (Southern California), branch off and join the San Andreas Fault.

Instead, the Pacific Plate is moving northwest over the North American Plate at a rate of about two inches per year. Parts of the San Andreas Fault system accommodate this movement by constant “slipping” that results in many small tremors and some moderate earthquakes.

Seismic zones of the United States, according to a USGS report

The states most likely to register tremors are Texas, California, Alaska, Utah, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, among others, because they are located along the San Andreas Fault, one of the main geological faults in the country.

The USGS presented its new report on the seismic zones of the territory of the United States where there is a high probability of a strong earthquake. (Photo: USGS)

How should I act before, during and after an earthquake in the United States?

I share with you a useful list of good actions you should do to be able to face a strong earthquake in the United States or any other country in the world. Apply the following security recommendations that I will show you below:

Before the earthquake in the United States

• Always check your home’s infrastructure.
• Install security locks, cabinets and shelves.
• Store the most fragile items in safe places.
• Always have a first aid kit with you.
• Find the best meeting point where there is enough security for your family.
• Educate your family members so that they can turn off the electricity, gas and water taps.
• List emergency numbers to contact doctors, police, civil defense, among others.

During the earthquake or earthquake in the United States

• Stay away from windows, mirrors and sharp objects that may fall to the ground.
• Get shelter under a sturdy table or you can also place it under a door frame.
• Cover your head and neck with your hands.
• Avoid using elevators and taking stairs during the earthquake.
• Do not run out of a building when the earthquake is moving.

After the earthquake in the United States

• Seek medical help to treat people with serious injuries.
• Provide first aid and emotional support to injured people who need it.
• Do not use your mobile phone irresponsibly, this way you will avoid overloading the lines.
• Check the structural damage to your home.
• Close the faucets to prevent possible leakage of electricity, water or gas.
• Do not light candles, matches or other objects that could catch fire.