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EARTHQUAKE! Shake, Rattle and Roll!

072908DSC_2425.jpgWhoa, I'm sure all of you in LA just felt that 5.8 5.4 tumbler. We were in our home office when it was happening and we had collectibles and toys fall off our shelving as we watched our cats look around in confusion and horror. We made it down the stairs before it stopped, but everything seemed okay except a few casualties shown below...

 
 

072908DSC_2428.jpgHope everyone else out there is okay. It might be a jarring reminder to get prepared with an emergency pack, escape plan and earthquake insurance.

Earthquake Links:
Earthquake Preparedness
California Earthquake Authority Reduced Policy Rates

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Comments (28)

Ha, it took us a while to figure out it was an earthquake and then we got under doorways, realizing later that we were standing in giant glass wall doorways. I think we need to practice with some earthquake drills.

Nothing fell or broke out here on the westside, though...

posted by laure on July 29th 2008 at 9:57am
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the bottom picture is so sad looking!

posted by E.M.H on July 29th 2008 at 9:58am
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I know! That frowny face!

posted by joss on July 29th 2008 at 10:00am
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Yep, felt that in San Diego too!

posted by bipolarbear on July 29th 2008 at 10:01am
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I hope all you guys are safe and well in CA

posted by bobbin on July 29th 2008 at 10:01am
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My whole craft room rattled - scissors gone wild.

posted by cathiefilian on July 29th 2008 at 10:05am
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"Scissors Gone Wild"
Sounds like a new crafting DVD series in the making.

Our poor cats still look a little spooked. Here's hoping we don't get too many aftershocks.

posted by gregory on July 29th 2008 at 10:10am
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I'm trying to reach a family member in Santa Monica and I can't get through but I'm assuming everyone's okay...

posted by Bridget212323 on July 29th 2008 at 10:19am
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In the Valley it just felt like I'd had one too many martinis. Nothing fell off the shelves and I think I was the only one who even bothered to inch my way over to the door jam.

posted by ktyler on July 29th 2008 at 10:34am
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felt it here in san diego too.

posted by amylou on July 29th 2008 at 10:36am
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It took a while to figure out what exactly it was. Being on the 6th floor of an old office building, everything shakes and moves almost everyday. It first felt like someone was running down the hallway, and then like there was a strong wind outside. When I looked out my wall-o-windows and saw that the trees were moving, but not because of any wind, that's when I realized it was an earthquake. No damage here in Mid-Wilshire though, just some pictures swaying on the wall.

I'm curious to see how my apt in NoHo fared. :)

posted by sparkle on July 29th 2008 at 10:44am
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Felt it here in Marina del Rey too - though no damage.

Bridget, I'm sure your relative in Santa Monica must be fine - just spoke to my co-worker in SM and she said they definitely felt it there, but no damage occurred.

posted by nankie on July 29th 2008 at 10:45am
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was in a highrise in downtown la. Damn earthquake rollers are life savers, but bring on sea sickness. The bright side: HALF DAY!

posted by chusmabilly on July 29th 2008 at 11:07am
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Shaky in downtown, but if the building's been here since 1903, I'm pretty sure it's going to stay put. Thank you retro-fitting.

With your earthquake plan, double check your plan for your pets. We had the leash on our dog in split seconds, once we felt the first sway.

And the other bright side--now you know what needs earthquake wax/hooks.

posted by Palmetto on July 29th 2008 at 11:53am
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How do you manage cats during an earthquake? Mine get easily scared by almost everything, can't imagine during a quake how to ease/control them.

posted by Loreta on July 29th 2008 at 12:20pm
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I felt it in Beverly Hills. It shook hard at first. It was my first earthquake too! I ran away from my desk because we have way too many things up on shelves here and went to a doorway but then I realized that it's the doorway to the hallway of glassed in conference rooms and that probably wasn't the best place to be. Got lots of texts from friends and family on the east coast almost immediately. News traveled fast!

posted by Laura on July 29th 2008 at 12:21pm
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I live in Santa Barbara and it got my attention. Definitely not as bad as some other quakes I've been in, but nothing to take lightly either.

posted by Sydney on July 29th 2008 at 12:26pm
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glad to hear you are safe out there!

did your cats act spooked BEFORE it happened? like a warning sign that something was coming?

posted by sassydo on July 29th 2008 at 12:41pm
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FYI -- if you didn't already know, the latest earthquake instructions are NOT to get in doorways. They are to DROP, COVER and HOLD. Getting under a table or large desk is the way to go.

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/

posted by liseah on July 29th 2008 at 1:55pm
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Thanks for posting that liseah. I have several friends fomr the east coast now living in LA and every single one of them went into a doorway, and I had to tell them that is no longer the thing to do. I send them you link as well.

posted by Jose A on July 29th 2008 at 2:04pm
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It was worse out our way (La Mirada) since the epicenter was Chino Hills. Friends in Placentia and Brea had lots of stuff falling off walls, off tables, out of cupboards, etc. Luckily, I only had one casualty (though it was a 100 year old stained glass window :( ). Lots of stuff on my floor when I went home to check though; it's the one time I'm glad I have carpet instead of wood floors.

posted by queenofthehighway on July 29th 2008 at 2:24pm
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Loreta- my cats ran under the bed on their own, which I think was exactly the right thing to do. It did take them an hour to come out, though. By now they've forgotten all about it.

posted by Risaplata on July 29th 2008 at 3:45pm
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Please let this quake have made the minds up of those wanting to leave So Cal or move to So Cal.

posted by Seaside on July 29th 2008 at 5:02pm
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How frightening! Living on the east coast, I've never experienced an earthquake....I'm sure I would freak. I hope everyone is ok. In the photo on the bottom, the frowny faced square head looks like....'Oh noooo...Mr. Bill!'

posted by junklover on July 29th 2008 at 5:03pm
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I was excited...it was the first earthquake in my new house! I got to see how the things we were concerned about held up (swimmingly).

Of course, I would be less excited if I lived closer to the epicenter.

posted by Kerith on July 30th 2008 at 1:08am
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hmmm, i don't think you're supposed to run down stairs during an earthquake. kind of funny though!

posted by grphcgurl on July 30th 2008 at 9:28am
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I was in Costco at the time and it took everyone a bit to figure out what was happening. It sounded like workmen on the roof, then the lights swayed some, and that was it. I guess Costco would be a good place to be if an earthquake happens. Lots of supplies at your fingertips! That building was very sturdy, it barely moved.

Yes, good reminder to have your earthquake kit up to date and easily accessible. I've got a backpack next to my bed and a big duffle bag in the truck of my car, both with the exact same supplies. Ya never know where you'll be when it hits.

posted by krpm1 aka Kelly:) on July 30th 2008 at 11:45am
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grphcgurl: you're correct. Except I live in a 1917 brick building that's almost guaranteed to collapse if there's truly a big one. I'd rather go out trying to get out than being sandwiched by the ceiling/roof. Sadly, I have no furniture to get under (all of our tables are too low). So kids, don't follow my example :)

posted by gregory on July 31st 2008 at 8:07am
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