Californians are most familiar with how to handle both major and minor tremors when the Earth moves.  But here in Tennessee, not so much.  My husband told me he felt our bed vibrate this morning as the 5.2 earthquake struck in the Midwest. I personally didn’t feel a thing, but that’s probably because I’m used to my bed shaking all night – every time the hubs rolls over in his sleep there’s a mini-earthquake.

However, my cousin who lives about 40 minutes from the epicenter emailed,

Then Resa started screaming on the top bunk in Matt’s room Sarah went in and calmed her while I told Sarah its probably an earthquake or someone hit our house with their truck and I went to look outside to look.  A couple of people from the apartments next door came outside and I called over and asked them if they felt that and they said the whole building shook.

My brother who lives about an hour from the quake also felt it,

Trish and I were already up this morning when the quake hit. I was in the kitchen and Trish had gone back to the bedroom. The whole house started to shake here in e-town. It was enough to rattle dishes and slosh water that was in a bowl in the sink.  I grabbed the counter because I was waiting for part II of the quake. When the real big quakes hit in 1811-1812 a scientist that kept track of all the measurable earthquakes said that slight shaking would last about 2 to 3 minutes, and then, "all order was broken by a cross shove that knocked everyone and everything to the floor."

I know my family is not ready in the event of an earthquake. So what do you do to prepare your home?  Paducah, Kentucky’s WPSD television station has provided tips for viewers on what to do in anticipation of a quake.  My brother had the right idea to HOLD ON.

Carbondale Bytelife gives us a roundup of what Illinois bloggers are saying.  Included is our own Shakadoo writer Ron Hogan who plans to sue for loss of soda. In Tennessee, Music City Bloggers talk about the quake. 

Walt and Julie provide some really great advice about how to prepare for an earthquake.  For example, "Determine a meeting place outside the home and one outside the neighborhood in case you are away from your home when the earthquake hits." They have outstanding suggestions.

I had some really great photos planned for Frightful Friday, but felt the earthquake took precendence. Perhaps I’ll write a Silly Saturday Photo post!  Hope your weekend is still.