Originally Posted: August 25, 2017
The United States Geological Survey said a preliminary 3.1 magnitude earthquake rattled Dallas Friday morning.
The epicenter of earthquake was recorded just north of Texas 114 near the Irving-Dallas border at about 6:40 a.m.
No damage reports have been received.
Seismologists with Dallas’ Southern Methodist University have been investigating the earthquake cluster, which lies along the Quachita Tectonic Front, to see if they are being induced or if they are naturally occurring. No determination has yet been made.
Most of the quakes in the cluster have ranged between a 1.8 and 2.5 magnitude, but some tremors have been stronger. The largest tremblors recorded in the cluster were 3.5 and 3.6 magnitude quakes in January 2015. The intensity of those quakes rated an MMI V, indicating they had the strength to be felt by everyone, including those sleeping, and that windows and dishes may have been broken.
No injuries or serious damage have been reported in connection with any of the earthquakes in the Irving cluster.
Experts advise those who feel a strong earthquake find a safe spot in the room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. People are advised to get on their hands and knees and cover their head and neck with their arms and only move if they need to get away from falling objects.
In an earthquake, it’s important to remember these DOs and DO NOTs:
- DO drop, cover and hold on!
- DO stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls
- DO NOT get in a doorway
- DO stay inside until the shaking stops
- DO NOT use the elevators.
- If outside, DO move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires
- Find more information on how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake at the following websites: www.ready.gov (Spanish language site www.listo.gov), www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake and www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1508-20490-0627/fema_b_526_eng_r1.pdf