East Coast Rattled by Unexpected Earthquake

Whoa, folks! We just had a doozy of a wake-up call here on the East Coast. This morning, around 10:30 am, the ground started shaking like a runaway washing machine. At first, I thought it was just my building having a plumbing issue, but then I saw the panicked look on everyone’s face in the office, and I knew something bigger was going on.

Turns out, it was an earthquake! The U.S. Geological Survey says it was a 4.8 magnitude temblor centered around Lebanon, New Jersey. Shaking was felt all the way from Maryland up to Maine, which is pretty crazy considering earthquakes are way more common out west.

Thankfully, there haven’t been any reports of major damage or injuries so far. That said, it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience, especially for those of us who aren’t used to feeling the earth move under our feet. Social media is blowing up with people sharing their videos of swaying buildings and office supplies taking a tumble.

Here on the East Coast, we’re used to dealing with hurricanes and blizzards, but earthquakes? That’s a whole new ball game. Hopefully this was just a one-time event, but it’s a good reminder that even here in the supposedly “stable” East Coast, we need to be prepared for anything.

Staying Safe After an Earthquake

Even though this earthquake wasn’t a major one, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If you feel the ground shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Have an Earthquake Plan: Talk to your family about what to do in case of an earthquake. Make sure everyone knows where to meet and how to contact each other if you’re separated.
• Assemble an Emergency Kit: Put together a kit that includes food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essentials that you can grab quickly in case of an emergency.

Let’s hope this is the last earthquake we feel for a long time, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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