The U.S. Geological Survey said that a late-night 5.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern California.
According to the USGS, the 6-mile-deep earthquake struck at 11:22 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, approximately 50 miles west of Petrolia.
According to the USGS, the tremor prompted a ShakeAlert but not a tsunami warning.
By approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, nearly 500 people reported feeling the tremor to the agency, from as far away as Granite Bay and San Jose.
On December 5, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the region, triggering a tsunami warning that was subsequently canceled, according to The Sacramento Bee. For days, aftershocks have persisted.
San Francisco is roughly 250 km northwest of Petrolia.
What to know about earthquakes
The U.S. Geological Survey states that magnitude quantifies the energy released at the earthquake’s source. It takes the place of the previous Richter scale.
According to Michigan Tech, earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 to 5.4 are frequently felt but rarely result in significant damage. Most people rarely feel earthquakes smaller than 2.5 magnitude.
Avalanches, landslides, tsunamis, and flames can all result from an earthquake’s abrupt, fast shaking. The Department of Homeland Security states that although they can occur anywhere, they are most often in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington.
It’s best to take immediate precautions in case of an earthquake. Here are some expert tips:
Stop and pull over if you’re in a car. Put the parking brake on.
If you’re in bed, turn over and place a pillow over your head.
If you’re outside, keep your distance from structures. Stay out of the house.
Stay inside and avoid running outside if you’re inside. Avoid going through entrances.
According to officials, the recommended course of action during an earthquake is to drop, cover, and hold on.
Officials advise everyone to go on their hands and knees and grasp onto something solid wherever they are. Make sure your wheels are secured if you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, and stay seated until the shaking stops.
If you can, crawl under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms. Crawl to an inner wall away from windows if there isn’t any shelter.
Officials advise holding on with one hand and being prepared to move with it once you are beneath a table.
According to officials, there may be major risks following an earthquake, including building damage, leaking water and gas lines, or broken electrical lines. An earthquake’s main shock is likely to be followed by aftershocks. If you experience an aftershock, be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on.
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