Reports indicated that the quake was felt across the Buffalo metropolitan area and as far away as Lockport and Hamburg.
The 3.8 magnitude earthquake is the largest quake to hit the Buffalo area in more than a decade.
No significant damage or injuries have been reported so far, although some residents said they felt shaking and rattling in their homes.
The USGS has received more than 1,000 reports from people who felt the earthquake, indicating it was widely felt and had a considerable impact on the area.
Tremors were felt across the Buffalo metropolitan area, including in the cities of Cheektowaga and Tonawanda. No injuries or damages have been reported so far. The quake was classified as a “light” event, according to the USGS shaking intensity scale. The scale goes from I to XII and indicates how much shaking was experienced by people in the area. Light events range from III to IV on the scale. The USGS has not yet commented on the cause of Monday's quake, which is not uncommon for light events like this one.
The quake was felt as far away as Batavia, the USGS said. There have been no reports of injuries or significant damage. This is the second earthquake in the area in a week. On Wednesday, July 29, a magnitude 3.3 earthquake was reported in the same region. Seismic activity is not uncommon in the area and no further activity is expected.
How To Prepare For a 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake
1. Understand the Risk: The most important step to prepare for a 3.8 magnitude earthquake is to understand the risk. Make sure you know the location of the epicenter and its proximity to your home or workplace. Additionally, research what kind of damage is typically caused by an earthquake at this level of magnitude.
2. Create an Emergency Plan: Once you understand the risk, create an emergency plan for your home or workplace that outlines what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Make sure all members of your household or workplace are aware of the plan and can easily access it in the event of an emergency.
3. Secure Your Home: Secure all furniture, electronics, and appliances that can be easily moved or knocked over during an earthquake. Additionally, make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of any fires that may be started as a result of an earthquake.
4. Stock Up On Supplies: Make sure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies on hand in case you need to stay at home longer than expected due to an earthquake. Additionally, make sure you have a working flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit on hand in case of any emergencies.
5. Stay Calm: In the event of an earthquake, stay calm and follow your emergency plan. If you’re inside a building, drop down on your hands and knees and crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table or desk until the shaking stops. If you’re outside, move away from buildings and power lines until the shaking stops.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake
1. Secure items in your home: Make sure all items of furniture, bookshelves, and other heavy objects are securely fastened to the wall. Install anti-seismic straps to large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines and secure hanging objects such as pictures and mirrors to the wall.
2. Prepare an emergency kit: Emergency supplies like food, water, flashlights, first-aid kits, and other items should be kept in an easily accessible location so you can grab them quickly if necessary.
3. Prepare a family communication plan: Make sure all family members know how to contact each other in case of an emergency. Have a plan in place for where to meet if you are separated during an earthquake.
4. Learn how to drop, cover, and hold: Drop down on your hands and knees and cover your head with one arm and hand. Move away from anything that could fall or shatter such as windows or furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops. Do not run outside during the shaking because there may be falling debris or glass.
5. Be aware of potential hazards: Be aware of potential hazards such as gas leaks, power outages, and broken water lines after an earthquake occurs. Inspect your home for any structural damage before going back inside after the shaking stops.
1. Step One: Immediately after an earthquake, it is important to remain calm and assess your surroundings. Make sure that everyone in your area is safe and not injured.
2. Step Two: During the shaking, move away from any large furniture, appliances, or other objects that may fall and cause injury. If you are inside a building, stay away from windows and other glass objects.
3. Step Three: Once the shaking has stopped and you have assessed the situation, take note of any damage to your property or home. If there is significant damage to your property, it is important to call a professional immediately for assistance.
4. Step Four: If you live in an area where a 3.8 magnitude earthquake has occurred, you should be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks can potentially cause further damage to your property or home, so it’s important to stay alert in case one occurs.
5. Step Five: Finally, if you have experienced a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Buffalo or the surrounding area, be sure to check in with neighbors or family members to ensure that everyone’s safety is accounted for and no one is injured or in need of assistance.