Lifelong Philadelphia resident, Award winning gardener (2010 and 2011), Blogger, Photographer, BSG fan, Foodie, Citizen Journalist, Conservative, Philadelphia GOP Committeewoman, Named 2010 and 2011 Hottest Conservative Women in New Media. You can contact me at midnightbluesays (at) gmail (dot) com 
5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks DC, Philly, NYC, LI, NJ and Boston
UPDATE: Earthquake Safety Checklist via American Red Cross
A Magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Virginia Tuesday afternoon, sending tremors along the East Coast of the United States.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was 3.7 miles deep and struck near Mineral, Va., a city 83 miles from Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and other buildings were evacuated. Pictures in the Capitol building reportedly fell from the walls. Buildings in New York City shook briefly Tuesday afternoon.
I felt the shock wave in Philly when the desk in my den began shaking, the floor lamp swayed and the floor shook. I just backed away from the desk and wondered what the frak was causing the shaking. When the shaking slowed, I posted a tweet:
Just checked the garden and some tomatoes fell from a table onto the ground. That seems to be the extend of any damages to the house.
I wonder if this earthquake has caused additional damage to the already damaged bridge on Holme Avenue?
In all seriousness, I have a cast on my right leg, so I can’t drive at the moment. If this had been worse and I needed to evacuate myself and the dogs, it would have been a ugly scene.
STATEMENT FROM CITY of PHILADELPHIA:
Philadelphia, August 23, 2011 This afternoon Philadelphia experienced the effects of a reported 5.9 earthquake occurring in the Richmond, Virginia area.
At this time only minor building damage has been reported in Philadelphia. All major City of Philadelphia government buildings have been inspected and are re-opening with City employees returning to work.
We are working with the Building Owners and Managers Association to get the following messages to private building owners in Philadelphia:
- It is your responsibility as private building owners to assess the condition of your property and ensure its safety.
- Talk to your engineers and building managers to ensure that the condition of the property is properly inspected.
- If you are concerned about new structural damage to your building call 3-1-1 and the Department of Licenses and Inspections will make a site visit as soon as possible.There are no reports of any damage to water, gas, roads and bridges. If you see any new infrastructure damage please call 3-1-1.
Citizens who detect gas fumes should call 215-235-1212 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Public transportation is experiencing minor delays so passengers are advised to check www.septa.org for the latest travel information. Amtrak is now running at regular speed but with delays of up to one hour.
Philadelphia International Airport was temporarily closed but has now reopened and ready to assist with New York area diversions if necessary.
3-1-1 will be operational until midnight. 9-1-1 is currently experiencing very high call volumes. Please only call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Was in center city and buildings were letting out. People were roaming the streets with cell phones in hands.
Thank God you’re alright!
I was wondering about you.
I know you don’t like guns, but, if the crap really did hit the fan you would need to be able to defend yourself, your ‘children’, and what possessions you still have.