June 8: 2.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near The Geysers in Sonoma County, CA

A preliminary magnitude 2.0 earthquake struck near The Geysers in Sonoma County early Monday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The tremor hit the area at 3:45 a.m., with its epicenter sitting approximately 6 miles northwest of The Geysers at a depth of 1 mile. Those who felt the quake can report their experience through the USGS Felt Report form.

Past week’s tremor

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake rattled the region in the past week, striking near Cloverdale on June 2.

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at an earthquake’s source, according to the U.S. Geological Survey — a scale that replaced the old Richter scale. Quakes registering between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are frequently felt but seldom cause significant damage, Michigan Tech notes. Those below 2.5 magnitude go unnoticed by most people.

Earthquakes can trigger fires, tsunamis, landslides, and avalanches through their sudden, rapid shaking. While they can strike anywhere, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington see the highest frequency, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Scientists estimate 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur worldwide each year — 100,000 of which people can feel, and 100 of which cause actual damage.

What to do during an earthquake

When an earthquake hits, take action immediately to protect yourself. Experts offer the following guidance:

In a car: Pull over, stop, and set your parking brake.
In bed: Roll face-down and shield your head with a pillow.
Outdoors: Keep distance from buildings and do not go inside.
Indoors: Stay put, avoid running outside, and keep clear of doorways.

The most effective way to protect yourself is to drop, cover, and hold on. “Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Cover your head and neck with your arms and move under a sturdy table if possible. With no shelter nearby, crawl toward an interior wall away from windows. Once underneath a table, grip it with one hand and stay prepared to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”