An earthquake struck New Jersey this morning, shaking buildings in surrounding states and causing an estimated 42 million people to feel the effects, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
“Our region just experienced a preliminary magnitude 4.7 earthquake with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
“We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless there is an actual emergency.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also spoke at a press conference after the earthquake.
4.8 magnitude earthquake hits New Jersey, shaking buildings in surrounding states
“At approximately 10:23 a.m., New York City felt the effects of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake,” Adams said.
“The epicenter was in Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 80 miles from New York City. Our first responders are working to keep New Yorkers safe and there are no reports of major impacts or injuries at this time.”
Residents of New York City and surrounding areas received emergency alerts on their mobile devices after the earthquake. The epicenter of the quake was in central New Jersey just after 10:20 a.m. ET. (Fox News)
Residents of the East Coast, who are typically unprepared for earthquakes, may be wondering how they can stay safe if another major tremor or aftershock occurs in the United States.
Adams encouraged New Yorkers to check on their loved ones and follow safety tips in the event of aftershocks, which are small earthquakes that follow a large earthquake.
Strong New Jersey earthquake felt in New York Rattle “VARNEY & CO.” Studio on air
“So far, there have been no serious life safety issues.” [are] “While no infrastructure issues have been reported, inspections of critical infrastructure will continue,” Adams said.
The map shows the location of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, which the U.S. Geological Survey reported was the epicenter of the magnitude 4.8 earthquake. (Fox News)
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her team felt the quake in Albany, the state capital.
“This is one of the largest earthquakes to have occurred on the East Coast in the past 100 years, so the moment I received this news, I immediately directed our emergency management team to begin damage assessment. “I did,” Hochul said.
Hochul also referenced the 2011 earthquake that hit New York, writing on X that he and his team are “monitoring and preparing for possible aftershocks.”
Teresa Sawy, a seismologist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, told FOX 5 NY that the magnitude 5 earthquake that struck California was “likely to be less destructive” than the magnitude 5 quake that hit the East Coast. There is,” he said.
“It’s because of the geology of the east coast, the ground is colder, older and more brittle,” Sawi told the station.
“So when seismic waves hit, they ring like a bell through the ground. And those waves are felt even farther up the East Coast.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sawi for comment.
New York woman reacts in real time as apartment shakes after magnitude 4.8 earthquake
The American Red Cross posted safety tips and links to X after the earthquake struck New Jersey, New York, parts of Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
The nonprofit organization advises people to “anticipate and prepare for aftershocks, be aware of fires that commonly occur after earthquakes, and take photos of damage for insurance companies.”
The American Red Cross also urged people to try to protect themselves from falling debris, according to its website.
I have shared this additional information.
I get down on my hands and knees right there.
- According to the American Red Cross, this position protects you from falls and allows you to crawl into a protected space.
cover your head and neck with your arms
- Get under a sturdy desk or table for protection.
- If you can’t find a sheltered space, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
- To protect yourself from injury, get on your knees and lean forward.
Please wait until the shaking stops
- If you are under a table or desk, hold on to the object until it moves. Use one arm to protect your head and neck.
- If you are not in a protected space: Protect your head and neck with your arms.
The American Red Cross advises people that in the event of an earthquake, it’s best to “hide under a sturdy desk or table for protection” and cover your head and neck. (St. Petersburg)
To prevent injury, be careful of falling objects during an earthquake.
“Think TVs, shelves, mirrors, pictures, water heaters, refrigerators, bookshelves, etc. Secure these items to avoid injury in the event of an earthquake. Secure them with straps, hooks, latches, and other Safety equipment is widely available,” the American Red Cross website says.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that if you are indoors, stay indoors.
“Do not run outside or into another room during an earthquake,” the CDC website states. “If you stay where you are, you’re less likely to get hurt.”
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The CDC also advised people not to stand in doorways.
“Entrances and exits do not provide protection from falling and flying objects, which are the most likely cause of injury,” agency officials wrote.
For more tips, check out the American Red Cross’ web page titled “Earthquake Safety” at redcross.org and/or the CDC’s online article on how to “stay safe during an earthquake.”
Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
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