Parts of the Santa Clarita Valley felt a quick jolt on Tuesday evening after an earthquake in Devore, reminding residents about earthquake preparedness.

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck at approximately 5:48 p.m. on Tuesday south-southwest of Devore and over 50 small aftershocks have occurred since, according to the United States Geological Survey.

These tremors have prompted the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, or OEM, to remind all county residents about the necessary steps to take to prepare for earthquakes.

• When you are in public places, be aware of your surroundings and identify your safe spaces.
• If you experience shaking, the recommended actions are to drop under a piece of furniture. Take cover under the piece of furniture by protecting your head and neck with one arm/hand. Hold on to the piece of furniture’s leg to keep it from shifting or uncovering you until the shaking completely stops. Learn more at this website.
• Do not run out of buildings during an earthquake as most people are injured by falling debris as they try to exit buildings during the shaking.
• If you experience shaking and are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels; cover your head and neck area with a pillow or some type of object that will deflect the debris from falling onto you.
• Click here to receive emergency notifications, register your cellular telephone and landlines at Alert L.A. County.

For more information on how to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards and threats, OEM has available the following emergency preparedness programs:

• County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide
• Specific Needs Awareness Planning
• Emergency Survival Program

Los Angeles County residents, renters and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may call 211 L.A. County for emergency preparedness information, and other referral services.

The toll-free 211 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

211 L.A. County services can also be accessed by visiting their website.