3.5-magnitude quake rattles California coast near San Simeon, seismologists say

A 3.5-magnitude earthquake shook the California coast near San Simeon, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The 4-mile deep quake hit 8 miles northwest of San Simeon at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, according to the USGS.

About two dozen people from as far away as Los Banos and Whittier reported feeling the tremor to the agency.

San Simeon, a city of 500 people about 240 miles south of San Francisco, is home to the famed Hearst Castle.

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

What to know about earthquakes

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.

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. 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.”

This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 7:00 AM with the headline "3.5-magnitude quake rattles California coast near San Simeon, seismologists say."