All Thumbs Dot Me

Having lived through a few good sized earthquakes down here in Southern California, this one was a particularly different experience.

Just prior to the initial 5.4 magnitude quake (11:42am PST), I had just gotten home from a little shopping.  I sat down at the computer to check my emails and began eating lunch.

Then it hit, and I began to tweet on Twitter (see my updates).

It first started with a rather large jolt, followed by rumbles and rolls that lasted roughly 20 seconds or so (although it did feel longer).  I witnessed items falling from the entertainment unit (remote controls and books) during the swaying and bumpy “ride.”

Besides being shaken up a bit, I’m fine.  My son’s preschool was okay and the only cleanup was a broken compact florescent bulb in the bedroom.   After picking up the fallen items, all was well.

Cellphone service was temporarily interrupted for an hour or so, but my DSL (AT&T) stayed up through out!  My only method of communicating while it was happening, was via the internet.

Other than that, we should all keep in mind that aftershocks will continue for the next few days according to the people at CalTech and the USGS.  Click here for updates to quakes in my area.

In addition, we should review any and all emergency procedures with our family and loved ones in the event “the big one” occurs.

Also, in retrospect, I should have sought shelter instead of posting updates to what was going on while it was happening…  Guess I was in the “moment”.  Live and learn, I guess.