Did You Just Feel That? A 3.5 Earthquake Shakes Julian—Here’s What You Need to Know 🌍💥
Did your couch suddenly turn into a rocking chair this afternoon? You’re not alone! A magnitude 3.5 earthquake rattled the ground near Julian, California, at 3:54 p.m. Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit just 3 miles south of the mountain town, sending a quick jolt across parts of San Diego County—including Santee, where CBS 8’s Abbie Black reported feeling the shake. Luckily, no damage or injuries have been reported… this time.
But let’s face it: When the ground moves, it’s a wake-up call. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe—and why experts say San Diego isn’t out of the woods yet.
Earthquake Survival 101: How to Prep Like a Pro 🚨
Whether you’re a newbie or a SoCal native, earthquakes don’t care—they hit without warning. Here’s your quick checklist to stay ready:
Before the Shaking Starts:
🔍 Scan your space: Secure wobbly bookshelves, TVs, or that vintage lamp Aunt Linda gifted you.
🎒 Grab a go-bag: Stock water, snacks, a flashlight, meds, and copies of important docs.
📱 Plan your squad’s meet-up spot: Pick a safe zone and an out-of-state contact (cell towers might crash).
When the Ground Grooves:
🏠 Indoors: Drop, cover (under a sturdy table!), and hold on. No yoga moves needed—just protect that noggin.
🚗 Driving? Pull over, avoid bridges, and stay put until the shaking stops.
🌳 Outside? Dodge buildings, trees, and power lines like they’re lava.
After the Rumble:
🔍 Check for damage: Gas leaks? Evacuate. Sparking wires? Call 911.
👕 Suit up: Throw on sturdy shoes and gloves before cleaning up debris.
🔄 Expect aftershocks: They’re like bad sequels—annoying but predictable.
The Big One: Could San Diego Handle a Major Quake? 😱
Let’s talk worst-case scenario. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake along San Diego’s Rose Canyon Fault (which shadows I-5 from La Jolla to Downtown) could cause $38 billion in damage and up to 800 deaths, per a 2020 study. For context, California’s last 6.9 quake—the 1989 Loma Prieta disaster—killed 63 people and left parts of San Francisco in rubble.
Yikes, right? But here’s the twist: Experts say San Diego’s stricter building codes could save lives compared to recent tragedies like Turkey’s 2023 quakes (11,000+ deaths). “California won’t see that level of destruction,” says Dr. Pat Abbott, SDSU geology expert. “Widespread collapses? Unlikely. But we’re overdue for a major shake.”
In fact, scientists give Southern California a 75% chance of a magnitude 7.0+ quake by 2045. The culprit? Stress building up along faults like the Salton Sea, which could unleash a 7.8 magnitude monster.
The Bottom Line:
Sunday’s quake was small, but it’s a reminder: Don’t hit snooze on prep work. Update your emergency kit, secure your space, and bookmark the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” page. Because when the next “earthquake near me” pops up, you’ll want to be ready—not scrambling.
Stay safe, San Diego! 🙌
👉 PS: Check your disaster kit NOW. Those protein bars won’t eat themselves.
Related:
