Minor Earthquake Shakes Maryland This Morning

News outlets today reported a minor 3.6-magnitude earthquake shook Maryland early this morning, with an epicenter about 13 miles away from the University of Maryland, College Park in the Rockville/Gaithersburg, Md. area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey's Richter scale, this was a minor quake, and according to several news outlets no injuries have been reported.

In the Associated Press article, a representative from the Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center said no aftershocks have been reported, and most of the time, aftershocks are of lower magnitude than the initial quake.

All factors indicate this was a minor occurrence, the only real significance being the rarity of earthquakes along the east coast. I can't stress enough that there is no reason for alarm, as it was a minor quake with no reported injuries. But I thought the occurrence might generate questions about earthquake safety, in which case I recommend checking out the U.S. Geological Survey. Here's a summary of tips:

1. If you're in an old building with sturdy door frames when an earthquake occurs, stand in the door frame. However, the door frames of new buildings aren't typically as sturdy (contrary to what we would assume). If you're in a new building, get under something sturdy, like a desk, and hold it there.
2. If you're indoors, stay indoors.
3. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, appliances and heavy furniture (I guess unless you're hiding underneath it... See #1).
4. If you're outside, go to an open area, away from trees, power lines, buildings, etc.
5. If you're in your car, stop driving, but try to get away from other vehicles, and don't stop on or under bridges, or near trees, power lines, lamp posts or signs.
6. DO NOT: turn on the gas again if you turned it off; use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, appliances UNTIL you are sure there are no gas leaks; use your telephone, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency; expect firefighters, police or paramedics to help you. They may not be available.

You can find more information about earthquake safety here, and for an earthquake history in Maryland, click here.