After experiencing three earthquakes over the course of two days, Santa Clarita officials are giving residents tips on how to be prepared for when the next big one hits.
On Thursday, July 4, a 6.4 earthquake hit about 12 kilometers southwest of Searles Valley at around 10:33 a.m., reaching most of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Early the next morning, a magnitude 5.4 aftershock was centered about 10 miles west of Searles Valley and was felt “throughout the SoCal region,” the Los Angeles Fire Department reported.
Then, later that evening, another earthquake hit at about 8:19 p.m. about 17 kilometers southwest of Searles Valley, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
While all three of these quakes were felt in the Santa Clarita Valley, no immediate damage was reported, according to officials.
“There are currently no calls in SCV for medical, fires, wires down, lights out, or calls for assistance relating to the earthquake,” the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station posted Friday on Facebook.
The likelihood of at least one even more powerful quake of magnitude 7.5 or greater between today and 2038 is 46 percent, and would most likely occur in the southern half of the State, according to a USGS study.
Such quakes can be deadly, as shown by the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta and the 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquakes, the USGS continued.
“When the next big earthquake does hit, it will catch most people off guard,” Cpt. Jess Harms with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a previous story. “It’s very important to be prepared by knowing where your gas shut-off valve is, have food and water ready and most importantly stay sheltered.”
It is also important to keep the essential items ready for when an earthquake does happen, according to officials.
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“Since we do live in earthquake country, we encourage our residents to always remain prepared,” said Shirley Miller, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, in a previous story. “Keeping an emergency kit current is essential, making sure to have enough food and water supplies for household members to last at least three days, one week preferably. And don’t forget about extra food and water for any pets.”
Keeping an emergency supply of cash on hand is helpful in case bank ATM’s are not functioning after an earthquake, Miller continued.
“Include flashlights and first-aid kits in the emergency kit,” the PIO urged. “If you take medications, always have an extra reserve, so that you won’t run out if unable to access a pharmacy.”
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