A 5.1 magnitude quake rocked the San Francisco Bay Area in California shortly before noon on Tuesday, Oct. 25, FOX Weather reported.
People as far away as San Diego and Lake Tahoe reported feeling the shaking the quake produced — and another earthquake could follow.
"There’s a 67% chance that a bigger main shock will occur within the next week," Kimberly Blisniuk, an earthquake geologist at San Jose State University, told FOX Weather.
So what can people do to keep themselves safe during an earthquake?
A March 2020 document published by FEMA as part of its "America's Prepareathon" campaign provided tips for staying safe before, during and after an earthquake.
"Earthquakes can bring mild to violent shaking and can occur any time, anywhere," said FEMA in the document.
"While earthquakes can and do happen throughout the country, states in identified seismic zones" have a much higher risk, the agency said.
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It is important to make an emergency plan, according to Ready.gov, a safety preparedness website that the U.S. government created.
Create a family emergency communications plan that has "an out-of-state contact," the site advised.
The site said it's important to "plan where to meet if you get separated."
The site also advises preparing a supply kit that includes enough food and water "for several days," along with a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Before an earthquake, people should take steps to secure furniture — including mirrors and bookcases — that could potentially injure or kill someone if those items were to fall over, said FEMA.
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"Most casualties and injuries during an earthquake occur when: people fall while trying to walk or run during the shaking; when they are hit by falling, flying or sliding household items or non-structural debris; and/or when they are struck or trapped by collapsing walls or other parts of the building," said FEMA.
To prevent this, FEMA suggests going on a "hazard hunt" to identify potential areas that need to be secured in case of an earthquake.
This includes bookcases, cabinets, mirrors, frames and cabinet doors.
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"Take time now to safeguard critical documents and take pictures or videos of your belongings," said FEMA, noting that this will make it easier to work with an insurance company later.
Prior to an earthquake, the agency recommends that people practice the "drop, cover, and hold on" technique in case an earthquake does occur.
This technique involves dropping to one's hands and knees, covering the head and neck with the arms, and hanging onto something sturdy until the earthquake ends.
"During an earthquake, minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place," said the document.
"If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure it is safe to exit."
Anyone who is outdoors during an earthquake should attempt to move away from buildings, electrical wires and streetlights, said FEMA.
"Once in the open, drop, cover, and hold on," said the document.
It may be advisable to enter a building to avoid being hit by debris, FEMA said.
After an earthquake has ended, smaller "aftershocks" may occur, the agency noted.
Individuals should remain cautious and continue to monitor the news to be aware of any additional updates.
Those who live near the ocean should remain vigilant in case of a tsunami, it also said.
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"Once the shaking has stopped, wait a minute before getting up and then look around for debris or other dangers," said FEMA.
"If you are able to safely move to exit the building and there is an open space to go to, exit the building and avoid damaged areas and downed power lines."
A person who is trapped after an earthquake should not move or shout, as this increases the risk of inhaling dust.
Shouting should be done "only as a last resort."
"Tap on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle, if available, so rescuers can locate you," FEMA added.
An earthquake may damage utility lines.
So FEMA advises having gas, sewer and water lines inspected after an earthquake to ensure they are working properly.
Due to the risk of gas fires, no one should use a lighter or matches near a damaged area, the agency said.
