The Big Apple Trembles: A (Slightly Exaggerated) History of NYC Earthquakes
You'd think a city that never sleeps wouldn't have time for earthquakes, right? Wrong! While New York might not be on the same quakey level as San Francisco (sorry, Californians, gotta rub it in a little), our fair metropolis has felt its fair share of tremors. But fear not, citizens! This ain't no Hollywood disaster flick.
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| How Many Earthquakes Have Hit New York City |
Not Exactly on the Richter Scale Rollercoaster
New York City sits snuggly on a tectonic plate (fancy science talk for a giant slab of rock) that's pretty darn stable. Unlike its West Coast cousins perched precariously on the edge of shifting plates, the Big Apple enjoys a more chill geological situation. This translates to earthquakes being a bit of a rare occurrence here.
That being said, they do happen. Haven't you ever felt that mysterious underfoot rumble that leaves you wondering if it was just a particularly enthusiastic subway ride or the Earth itself taking a deep breath?
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The Tremor Tracker: How Many Quakes Exactly?
Pinpointing the exact number of earthquakes that have graced New York City with their presence depends on what magnitude you're counting.
- Big Kahunas: For earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.4 or higher, we're talking around 19 since the 1700s. That's according to the brainiacs at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (fancy name for a group of earthquake enthusiasts).
- Tiny Tim tremors: If you include the itty-bitty quakes that most people wouldn't even notice, well, then you're probably looking at a much higher number.
The moral of the story? Earthquakes do happen in New York City, but they're not exactly Godzilla-level throwdowns.
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Uh Oh, Is the Big One Coming?
Relax, Sheldon! While the possibility of a larger earthquake (magnitude 5 or above) exists, it's not a frequent flyer. Experts estimate one might hit every 100 years or so. The last one? Way back in 1884, so we've got some time before we need to dust off those earthquake survival kits (which we totally recommend having, just in case).
Remember, New York City is built tough. Many buildings have been reinforced to withstand tremors, and building codes have gotten stricter since the not-so-distant past.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
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But hey, preparedness is key! Check out the FAQ section below for some tips on how to stay safe in case the earth decides to do a little shimmy under the city.
How To Stay Chill When the Earth Gets a Thrill: NYC Earthquake FAQ
How to prepare for an earthquake?
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- Have a plan: Discuss earthquake safety with your household and create a plan.
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: This is your golden rule during a quake. Get under sturdy furniture and hold on tight.
- Assemble a kit: Pack essentials like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight.
How to find out about recent earthquakes?
- The US Geological Survey (USGS) website is a great resource: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/earthquakes
How to earthquake-proof your apartment?
- Secure heavy objects to shelves and walls to prevent them from falling.
- Strap your water heater to the wall to prevent gas leaks.
How to tell the difference between an earthquake and a bumpy subway ride?
- Earthquakes usually cause a rolling sensation, while subway vibrations are more jerky.
- If in doubt, assume it's an earthquake and take cover!
How likely is a major earthquake in NYC?
- Experts say a large earthquake is not likely in the near future, but it's always good to be prepared.
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