The earthquake cluster strikes Ventura County, California

[ad_1]

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California when it struck off the coast, the US Geological Survey reported. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California when it struck off the coast, the US Geological Survey reported.

The approximately 7-mile-deep quake struck off the coast of Ventura County about 12 miles northwest of Oxnard at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, according to the USGS. The epicenter was off Point Mugu Beach.

More than 150 people from as far away as Santa Barbara and Hermosa Beach reported feeling the earthquake to the agency.

One Twitter user shared: “Just had a quick shake in Ventura County.”

Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake’s source, says the USGS. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 to 5.4 are often felt but rarely cause severe damage, according to Michigan Tech. Earthquakes of less than 2.5 magnitude are rarely felt by most people.

The rapid and sudden shaking of an earthquake can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. It can occur anywhere, but it’s most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If an earthquake occurs, it is best to protect yourself immediately. Here are some tips from the experts:

If you’re in a car: stop and stop. Set the parking brake.

If you are in bed: turn face down and cover your head with a pillow.

If you are outside: stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.

If indoors: stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

Officials say the best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to fall, cover and hold on.

Wherever you are, get on your hands and knees and hold on to something sturdy, the officials say. “If you use a wheelchair or seat walker, make sure your wheels are locked and you stay seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once seated under the table, the officials say you must hold in one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious risks after an earthquake, such as building damage, gas and water line leaks, or power line failure,” officials say. They expected aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be prepared to drop, cover and stop if you feel an aftershock.”

[ad_2]