According to United States Geologic Survey, the mid-Atlantic Region of the United States experienced a 5.9 magnitude earthquake this afternoon. Along with the entire federal family, we are closely monitoring the situation and are in close contact and coordination with our federal and state partners in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and the surrounding areas.
There are no initial reports of significant damages, but we will continue to coordinate closely with our state and local partners to assess their needs.
Today’s earthquake in the mid-Atlantic region is a great reminder that emergencies can strike anywhere and often happen without warning. Be sure your family has an emergency plan and a kit of emergency supplies to sustain yourselves for at least 72 hours.
And as a reminder, here are a few tips on what to do during/after an earthquake:
- If indoors, DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- If outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Voice data networks may be congested after a disaster, so send a text message or e-mail to loved ones to let them know you’re OK.
- Follow the direction of local officials when making the decision to return home. Return home only when local authorities have said it’s safe.
Good job getting info out. After years in the DP & Response field I am appalled at how unprepared the people of DC are for a disaster, especially an earthquake. I checked websites such as Red Cross, nothing. FEMA had a statement so video welcome - suggest you put it in a prominent position on web. I sent FEMA links to WaDC wusa9 TV news - they got back to me and wanted me to go to studio. FEMA locally should be doing more outreach. Hard to get there from Moab UT
ReplyDeleteWhen can we expect assistance? The town of Mineral has had a lot of damage. Our home was uninsured for Earthquake damage. We are retired and do not qualify for a loan because of that reason. There is $30,000 in damages to our home. We need assistance, can you suggest what we can do?
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