Small Quake Shakes Los Angeles County

A small earthquake struck in Los Angeles County this morning that was felt as far away as Orange County.

The quake was 3.3 in magnitude and epicentered in Santa Clarita at 11:23 a.m. No major damage or injuries have been reported. Did you feel the earthquake?

To find out if you live on a fault line, click

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there have been two earthquakes of late that Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents may have felt, including a 3.2 magnitude earthquake in August with an epicenter in Long Beach and a 3.8-quake in November with an epicenter just off the coast.

According to Seal Beach’s Emergency Operations Plan, the major threat from an earthquake is a process called liquefaction in which major shaking blends soil and water, destabilizing structures above.

The other earthquake concern for the area is the tsunami resulting from a quake. Any tsunami affecting Seal Beach would likely be caused by an earthquake very far away, such as the Alaskan 8.4 magnitude quake in 1964 that caused 5-foot tidal surges in Seal Beach. Today, the city has a reverse 911 system in place in to issue tsunami warnings. All phones in your household should and can be registered by signing up at OC Alert.

Officials offer these steps to deal with a natural disaster:

1. Make a Kit 

Have a seven-day supply of:

• Non-perishable food (canned, no-cook, packaged) and a manual can opener.
• Water (1 gallon per person or pet per day)
• First-aid kit (including first-aid manual)
• Medications (prescription and non-prescription) and eyeglasses
• Battery-powered flashlight, radio, and batteries.
• Personal-hygiene items; toilet paper, paper towels and large trash bags for trash.
• Copies of important documents.
• Items for pets (food, water, cages/leashes).
• Items for infants (formula, diapers, etc.).
• Tools (including duct tape, neon-colored tape or rope to block off dangerous areas).
• Have smaller-sized kits for your car and workplace.
• Cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10) (ATMS and credit cards do not work if the power is out).
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type).
• Protective eye goggles, gloves, facemask and hardhat.
• Whistle
• Change of clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Names, address and phone numbers of doctors and pharmacists.
• Camp stove or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking.
• Keep the kit in a sturdy and easy-to-carry container.