4.1 QUAKE RATTLES BORREGO

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East County News Service

May 31, 2015 (Borrego Springs)--If you felt the earth move under your feet Sunday morning at 6:02 a.m., that’s because a 4.1 earthquake centered 7 miles northeast of Borrego Springs rattled our region.  Our news partner, 10 News, reports the quake was felt as far away as Escondido, but the Sheriff’s Department did not receive any reports of damage.

Small tremors can sometimes be precursors of a larger quake – and a major fault line does run through that region.  Here are steps to take to prepare for an earthquake. Those steps include actions to take before, during and after a major quake.

To prepare, secure loose items and create a plan that includes how to communicate in emergencies, when phones may not be working. Organize disaster supplies in your home and car, making sure to include water, medicine, nonperishable food supplies, first aid kit, shoes, flashlight, blankets and pet supplies. Also include cash, since credit card and ATM machines may not be working if the power goes out. Get important documents together and also keep a copy off-site in a safe place, such as a bank safe deposit box. Check your property insurance and consider adding earthquake insurance or updating the policy limits.

Sign up to receive free emergency alerts via email and cell phone at www.EastCountyMagazine.org. These alerts cover earthquakes as well as wildfires and other regional disasters.

During a major quake, stop, drop and cover your body, especially your head and neck. Hold onto something secure if possible, such as a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows or anything that could break or fall down. Always keep hard-soled shoes and a flashlight next to your bed, in case a disaster occurs at night.

If your home is damaged, evacuate and get medical treatment if necessary. Check on family, neighbors and friends to see if they need help.

Visit the San Diego County emergency website for updates on shelters and other information during a quake or other regional emergency at http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/ .

For more information on how to prepare and respond after an earthquake, you can visit:

http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake

 


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Comments

I Didn't feel it in Ocotillo

Good article be prepared. Ever since the big 7.2 earthquake in Mexico and the 5.7 earthquake we had in Ocotillo in 2010 we have not been feeling any of the medium size earthquakes in the area, not sure what this means...

quake v. Borrego ground water

from the web: "The most common type of observed ground-water response is an instantaneous water-level offset, or step, which may be either an increase or a decrease and may occur near or far from the epicenter. Recovery to the pre-earthquake water level can be so rapid that no change will be detected if the water level is measured infrequently, or it may take as long as days or months. Steps can be large enough to make a well flow at land surface, or render it dry."