Moderate Earthquake in Southern California

It hit at 11:42 am. I know because the grandfather clock stopped. For us, it started to rumble, similar to a low-flying jet over the house, but then it started quaking. It was hard enough that it was difficult to walk across the room. I made it to a door jamb, and hubby made it to another door jamb, too. The shaking lasted a good 20 to 25 seconds. It was a scary feeling. The chandelier in the dining room was swinging hard. One of the picture frames was also moving. When the shaking stopped, we stepped outside and could see my plants on hanging pots still swaying. We have our cabinets attached to the wall, so none of those fell over, but some drawers and cabinet doors did open partially. One clock fell off in the guest room. One small picture fell off elsewhere, too. The hot water heater was strapped, so it was OK.

We were not able to get in touch with our son, immediately, but are certain he is fine. Hubby is picking him up from his work now. Daughter called already, and we reassured her all of us are OK.

We know we live in earthquake country and this is not the first earthquake we have experienced. The Sylmar earthquake was my first experience, and both my children were babies. When it happened both of them were still asleep. I do remember that my daughter raised her head, but went back to sleep after the jolt shook her crib.

We remember the quake in San Francisco and the images of the freeway levels pancaking. The Northridge quake was probably the last 'major' earthquake that we felt. Images of bricks on the sidewalks and freeway bridges sheared off are what I recall, but none of those quakes affected the family. No loss in property, not even loss in power. We are very blessed.

We carried earthquake insurance for a long period, until it became very expensive. Then the insurance carrier at that time informed us that they would no longer offer that kind of insurance because they had very large claims after the Northridge quake. Now, because of some legislation, homeowners must be offered earthquake insurance, but it is still very costly. So, at this time we do not have that coverage.

We try to keep both our cars 'gassed up' at all times, but we currently do not have an emergency kit a the ready. I recall experiencing several hurricanes in south Texas, and they are certainly scarier and last longer. Most of us who have lived in Southern California for a long time know that this was only a moderate one. But the media will keep hyping it. Even so, we are grateful that we have been spared the 'big one' that we have been warned about.