Santa Ana residents were startled by a 3.5 magnitude earthquake at 2:56 am today, September 15, which was based eight miles away, in the San Joaquin Hills (near UCI), according to the U.S. Geographical Survey USGS).

Here are the distances from the center of the quake to local areas:

• 2 km (1 miles) NE (34°) from San Joaquin Hills, CA
• 3 km (2 miles) N (7°) from Newport Coast, CA
• 7 km (4 miles) E (79°) from Newport Beach, CA
• 7 km (4 miles) SSW (205°) from Irvine, CA
• 14 km (8 miles) SSE (157°) from Santa Ana, CA
• 61 km (38 miles) SE (140°) from Los Angeles Civic Center, CA

For Orange County disaster and emergency preparedness info click here.

You can attend a free earthquake preparedness class on Sep. 17, from 9 am to 11 am, courtesy of the American Red Cross of Orange County, in Santa Ana.  Click here for details.

Here are earthquake safety tips, courtesy of the American Red Cross of Orange County:

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquakes can happen in most states…anytime…without warning. Reducing hazards and knowing what to do can make a big difference in how an earthquake affects your household. Adults and children in the household should talk about what you will do when an earthquake happens.

Download Red Cross Earthquake Safety Checklist

Here is what you can do to prepare for an Earthquake:

• Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan
• Choose a safe place in every room – under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
• Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
• Inform your babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Eliminate hazards, by:

• Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other furniture to the wall.
• Installing stronger latches on cupboards.
• Strapping the water heater to wall studs.

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for home and car, including

•  First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes by your bedside.

Know what to do when the shaking begins

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Identify what to do after the shaking stops

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.