Earthquake!

At around 4:47 A.M. today, I felt my bed shaking. At first I thought it was just a dream but then I felt my dad waking me and my brother up saying we were experiencing an earthquake. Once I got out of my room, I opened the door to our house (and our cat entered the house scared) and heard screams of terror from neighboring houses. I would find out later that it was a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that shook us. It was so far the strongest earthquake I have ever felt (and hopefully I won't feel anything much stronger). And it lasted way longer than the ones I've felt before, making it even scarier. Well, people would say you're over-reacting if you feel terror after experiencing an earthquake like that. But come on. Anything mother nature throws at us should be treated as a threat to our safety. Seriously.
Well, now that that's over, we all should just be thankful no one was hurt or no serious damage was done to homes and property. And always remember to be alert since no one (or no device) can ever predict exactly when an earthquake would happen. This is one of the few times when paranoia would actually be helpful.
And oh, in case you were wondering, there was no tsunami warning raised.
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Here are some reminders on what to do during an earthquake (source: US Department of Homeland Security website http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm):

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.