Friday’s shake up a reminder to always be prepared

A rude awakening early Friday morning for many of us here in the Coachella Valley.

A 5.2 earthquake hit just after 1:00 a.m. Friday, with at least eight aftershocks following the first tremor.

The epicenter was 13 miles north-northwest of Borrego Springs in San Diego County, just 16 miles south-southwest of La Quinta.

The quake was strong enough to be felt in Los Angeles.

Some slept through it others woken by the shaking, either way there’s no doubt Friday morning’s earthquake has people talking.

“We have several cats and they don’t like earthquakes, or the aftershocks. They have been freaked out all morning,” said Mark Walwick who lives in Palm Springs.

Viewers sharing photos on our Facebook page of broken pictures and shattered glass.

One person’s vanity was broken in pieces.

“We just hear a bunch of glass and mirrors break and I was like whoa what’s going on. And I turn on the lights in the bathroom and I was like whoa,” said Ramon Perez who lives in La Quinta.

So far no injuries or severe damage reported as a result of this shallow earthquake.

But Friday morning’s shake up, served as an important reminder for many.

“The first thing that went through my mind was I need to be better prepared,” said Coachella Mayor Steve Hernandez.

Experts say it all the time, but it’s never too late to buy or create an earthquake kit.
Having water and non perishable food is essential.

“I think it’s a great reminder for everyone to be prepared because we never know when we’re going to have the big one and then we’re going to all have to help each other out,” Walwick said.

While some said this earthquake was nothing, others said it’s only a matter of time until the big one.