Earthquakes roll through Northern California city after late-night tremor

A magnitude 3.3 earthquake shook the Santa Rosa area in Northern California, followed by an overnight series of aftershocks, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The nearly 3-mile deep quake hit almost four miles from Kenwood just before 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, according to the federal agency. The Sonoma County city is about 10 miles southeast of Santa Rosa.

More than 1,100 people from as far away as Benicia and San Francisco reported feeling the tremor, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

A series of aftershocks followed the quake overnight, with a magnitude 3.1 earthquake striking at 6:34 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

There were at least four other aftershocks ranging from magnitude 2.2 to magnitude 2.7, the agency said.

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Quakes between magnitudes 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below magnitude 2.5 are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

How to stay safe during an earthquake

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away, the Department of Homeland Security said. Here are tips from experts:

• If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
• If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
• If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“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.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready 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.”