The day after a solar phenomenon, Californians in both Northern and Southern Californian woke up to another natural occurrence: earthquakes, waking many up as early as 6:30 a.m. With much fear of “the big one” to strike at any point in the state, many turned to social media to shares their thoughts and scares, prompting organizations like PG&E to send out emergency preparedness reminders.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 3.2 earthquake hit the Bay Area offshore, just 6.6 miles southwest of Tamalpais at approximately 6:36 a.m. People reported having felt the tremblor far west in San Francisco, located 10 miles from the epicenter. In Southern California, an earthquake of seismic size 3.4 occurred near Palm Springs around 8:12 a.m.
With many on earthquake alert, some have asked about earthquake swarms in Lake County, noting the dormant but fearful Clear Lake volcanic field.
“Although Clear Lake volcanic field has not erupted for several millennia, sporadic volcanic-type earthquakes do occur, and the numerous hot springs and volcanic gas seeps at in the area point to its potential to erupt again,” USGS said in a statement under their Volcano Hazards Program. They reported that the most recent eruptions have occurred about 11,000 years ago near Mount Konocti and have labeled the volcanic field at a level “high” for its threat potential. Presently, it is reported that because of long pauses in volcanic activity near Clear Lake, “it is currently uncertain what stage of volcanism the region might be undergoing. Intermittent seismic activity and the presence of heat at the depth indicate that the system is still active and eruptions are likely.” Real-time tracking of earthquake activity in the Clear Lake region is monitored by a collaboration between USGS and Calpine Corporation in the Geysers Steam Field. The region’s volcanic gases and hot springs are also periodically analyzed.
Scientists responding to Bay Area earthquake hazards have said that the state has more than a 99 percent of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or larger tremblor in the next 30 years. The exact date and time of the earthquake or volcanic activity is unpredictable, but early emergency preparation is of an essence, experts add.
In response to the trending conversation on Facebook and Twitter after the Bay Area earthquake on Tuesday morning, PG&E said, “Don’t wait for the next earthquake to build an emergency prep kit. Remember to refresh it at least once a year.” They advised creating a supply kit by stocking up on supplies to last for at least one week. Items should be placed in waterproof containers and stored in a place that is easy to access.
PG&E suggests to include these items in one’s supply kit:
Food and water
Have one gallon of water per person, per day
Be sure to include food for all members of the household, including baby and pet food
Have nonperishable and easy to prepare food without power
Include a non-electric can opener and forks, spoons, and knives
Equipment
Do not use candles, use flashlights instead
Include a portable charger for mobile phones
Include two extra sets of batteries
Have a battery-powered or a hand-crank weather radio
Health and Personal Supplies
Have a basic first-ait kit with antibiotic ointments, bandages, and cold packs
Have prescriptions and non-prescription medication and eyeglasses, toiletries
If possible, put aside at least $100 in cash and credit cards
Store copies of IDs, medical records, pet vaccinations and family photos
