Tasty Blog Snack

Jul 29

Post vlogmatic earthquake syndrome

Posted at 2:49 pm | 71 comments

It’s good to know that in possible diaster situations, I can remain calm. I was actually really freaked out. This was a few seconds after the earthquake had stopped.

This was my first earthquake and the only thing I could think to do was to twitter!! I watched as other tweets start showing up about it.

Oh, and I think your best bet is probably not to hop out onto the 5th floor balcony to see what’s going on.

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71 Replies to "Post vlogmatic earthquake syndrome"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2714736126_fdd3774712_o.png

<3

jay on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine, I was shaken too! That’s not a normal earthquake. Duck and Cover! Then go out open space. Here’s the damage at my workplace.

http://www.viddler.com/explore/daynah/videos/8/

Daynah on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Glad your alright!

Joe on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Loads of damage at my place. Pictures thrown across and glass broken in the bar. Welcome to LA Justine.

Kevin on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Your first ever?!

Keenan Neigel on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Now you see this what is amazing about today’s internet culture. I found out about the earthquake from twitter, I quickly went to the BBC site (I’m in the UK) and nothing! Info at the speed of light from the people experiencing it! Amazing!

Love the blog by the way

Sean

Sean on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

What’s your place? Which country?

Hussein | Random Blog on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

And it all broke out on Twitter first. <3

It sounds like everyone is safe. That’s giddy!

Derek Jay Steen on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

“dont f*** with nature!”
you rock justine! haha i want to experience an earthquake!
glad you safe!

Chris on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

lol twitter scoops the Beeb!

Sean on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

The proper behavior is probably NOT to stand on a balcony right after an earthquake, you know what an aftershock is, right?

Bastian on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Saw your twts — too cute!

The proper procedure is wait until the shaking stops, then wait 2 more hours for cell service, then call all your friends and arrange for a Post Earthquake Party/Tweetup.

Jolie O'Dell on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

congrats. ur now an official angeleno (woot!) lol ;D

ill_threadz on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Wait, you had time to add the bleep and the screenshot? This only just happened!

FixedR6 on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

bahahaha…”Don’t f*** with nature.” Nice ending

Chris on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

So I guess I’m still kind of curious as to whether or not you and Brooke will be enjoying tasty treats and drinking cream soda together in L.A…..?

Sara on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I like twitter!!!!!!!!!

Daniel Miller on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Some suggestions from a Californian, first, you probably shouldn’t be standing out on a balcony. There are aftershocks that come. Best bet is to take stairs and go outside in a parking lot or away from tall buildings (e.g., glass falls). Have a good out of state contact because usually local phone lines are down but out of state ones seem to be up. Have some cash on hand because the ATMs go down (linked to phones). There is a long list.
Don’t you love rockin’ and rollin’ in Cali? Welcome!

-HTD

Hightechdad on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Daynah! That’s great footage and.. jay, now everyone is going to know that I swear on AIM chats

ijustine on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Congrat’s. you always remember your first. but glad to hear your ok, that was one of the biggest ive felt here in LA since ive lived here!

rocknrollgeek on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Yes! The proper earthquake procedure according to google search results for surving an earthquake in a hotel room is: procedure #287.4-G ‘Surving an Earthquake in a Hotel Room’- Jump off the balconey of your hotel after initial shaking has stopped. Be sure video camera is on to record your descent. Try to avoid landing on people or spikes.
Sooo…you were correct!

ggjeffy on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

wow read about it on twiter also. how do u get this out so fast.

Jaan on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Good to know that you’re alright. Just got off the phone with my brother in L.A., who sounded like a seasoned pro about it (he’s been there since 2001). I don’t think I would ever get used to it.

“Don’t #$%& with nature!” = classic.

E. Christopher Clark on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Being in the UK I was the same as Sean; I heard it on Twitter first and then found that after watching search.twitter.com for a while that there were a couple of stories on Google News about it. Damn, internet culture today means I find out information from the other side of the planet about events still in progress… That’s cool.

Glad you are okay, Justine. Hope you aren’t too shaken. Love the natural hair look by the way.

Matt Hoult on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Being in the UK I was the same as Sean; I heard it on Twitter first and then found that after watching search.twitter.com for a while that there were a couple of stories on Google News about it. Damn, internet culture today means I find out information from the other side of the planet about events still in progress… That’s cool.

Glad you are okay, Justine. Hope you aren’t too shaken. Love the natural hair look by the way.

Matt Hoult on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Ha!…. 5.4 is a good shake …. Glad everything is fine ….

JCB on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Real time news has changed forever!

If you had had an extra 2 seconds, you could have used your contact manager to blast an alert to everyone in LA - they may not have realized they were feeling an earthquake as quickly as you posted this video!

Craig Klein on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

According to the News there is not much damage. Well seems that it was a good shake. Last year we had a 7.2 earthquake here, now that is a good shake. Besides some stuff moving inside the buildings (paintings and some of the water, gas and sewage) it should be fine. Though i still get sort of scared at them. Glad to hear all of you are Ok!

Don’t panic at earthquakes is the worst thing to do. Glad you’re ok Justine!! And welcome to the Pacific Volcanic Circle!

Jorge on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Good PSA there right at the end, Justine. Good advice

JGHue on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Welcome to LA. I lived there for five years and got so use to them I hardly paid attention when one happened. =)

Kevin

Kevin on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I’m coming to safe you kiddo.. just allow 3-6 weeks for shipping..

irox on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

(hugs) Are you going to be okay? Watch out for aftershocks.

Ghoster on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Good ol’ Michigan… I love having the ground stay still…

Mike on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine…

First off.. Calm down..

Second… I think it’s “duck and cover” for EQs (I’m a midwest kid, so I have no clue)

Third.. Calm down..

-Adam

Adam on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

The Protocols for Earthquake Preparedness, is as follows:
STOP
DROP
& ROLL

(actually the only one I remember is stand underneath a door opening)

Michael Midnight on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

A co-worker of mine was on the phone with a lady in California when the earthquake hit.

Pretty funny.

http://www.vanilla-milkshake.com

Carla on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I’ve been in LA for 6 years and that was the largest one I’ve felt. I had the same reaction about Twitter - I posted about it within 20 seconds.

Mark on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Welcome to California!
The Rated PG princess has cursed!

RV510 on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Has an LA-er, I have to say that earthquakes scare the poo out of me. But I’d rather have that than a hurricane.

The proper safety measures are to stand in the door frame with your arms covering your neck and head. Just so you know.

=)

Clara V. on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I am not visiting your site again after a quake, I just had a super quick aftershock while watching your video.

Thanks.

Seriously though you get over it once you live in California long enough, it’s one of the only things the kids in San Fran have in common with us.

robert on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

PVES, eh? Hahaha. Well I’m glad to see that you’re safe and okay.

Justin on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

The procedure is: Look for an exit(while covering). If there is stuff that can fell down, then duck and cover and then head out. If it’s too long, head out even if its not over yet (More than 30 or 35 seconds). If you feel is to strong get out quickly (looking out for stuff that may fall down and search for a secure zone, they should be labeled with a green poster or something).

Since it was your first it should have been pretty scary. There will be aftershocks but usually they are of less intensity.

Jorge on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

@Jorge: Thanks.. I’ve really never been in this type of situation. I probably should have went outside, but I was in the process of trying to check out and pack stuff in my hotel haha

ijustine on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine, you could have had this experience. http://twitter.com/MissRFTC/statuses/871803775

shylie743 on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I was in Los Angeles for the “Northridge” quake in 1994. It was a 6.7, and was centered about 15 miles from where I was staying. It rocked the hotel pretty good, and there was a lot of damage. The biggest mistake that I made was going to the window when it was done. Had it not been done, I could have been injured with breaking glass.

keith on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine– love your blog, it’s very fun and congrats on making the nxE’s 50 most influential female bloggers list! that’s where i found you.
Would love to get your input on blogging on our radio show. Check us out at http://www.OnTheHomeStretch.com
Please email me if your interested!
Thank you,
Bayley

Bayley on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine: How did you implement the colored bars and bleep in your video? I’ve always wanted to do that. I have iMovie if it’s an add on or something… ?

Chris Jacobson on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Im glad youre ok

PS.

how come im not on your blogroll anymore?

ralph dagza on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Wow, your first? That is really kind of amazing. The only way this is possible is if you have some really good luck on your side. I am from NorCal, Bay Area, and earthquakes are just something you learn to get used to i suppose. Although, that was a mighty big one.

James Ferra on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I love you <3

Reese on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

i had my first earthquake last year and im eleven and a half!!! it was a 5.6 thankfully so justine have fun in california cuz they do call it the earthquake country
ps if you havent noticed i live in california

amanda on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I’ve experienced earthquakes but I slept through them, of course it wasn’t very big but nevertheless glad you’re ok! I wouldn’t have known what to do in that situation. Would have panicked!

sim on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Glad it helped and i really hope you don’t experience a second one :).
Here is a small video of the earthquake i experienced last year. You can’t see much, but watch how the water moves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiBEjGisacQ

Jorge on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Earthquake that nothing in California. Oh Welcome to California Justine ha ha ha… This is not Pittsburg.

Tammty on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

get in a doorway. haven’t you seen Saved By The Bell?

moto62_isagirl on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

How’s that song go “You put the lime in the coconut/You shake it all up”?

VERY glad to know that you and everyone in SO Cal is ok!

You looked scared but you were SO calm - I’d have dropped a @#$%bomb off the balcony!

Good luck with the aftershocks - hope your room has a waterbed - it will be just like rocking to sleep!

Jeff Garlick on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

earthquakes are kinda freaky when it really stirs up

http://blabtech.blogspot.com

techdude on Jul 29th 2008 at 2:49 pm

earthquake 101: we don’t jump pver ledges, and we don’t stand on ledges just after the quake (a new one might follow)

other than that, well done

Dimitrios Stergiou on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

earthquake! I live in australia and nowhere near any earthquake zones.. however.. whenever really drunk.. I will insist I sleep under a table because should an earthquake happen while I am in my slumbering state.. I know I am safe.

Luke on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

I’ve never been to the west coast or anywhere dangerous. Nothing ever happens in RI. I’m pretty sure you should stick your butt in the air towards the sky. It’s the safest orifice when it comes to earthquake impact absorbtion. Or maybe thats lightning…..hmmmm? Now just imagine an earthquake during a lightning storm. Run to an open field an you are now a prime target for lightning strikes. It would be funny to see a bunch of people standing in a field with their asses in the air.
Any hoot, be careful Justine, all these people love you. They don’t need to see you twittering you death.

edgarjensen on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

well, that’s not the 1st time justine has cursed on camera…smojo and acydlord got her swearing before lol

CL on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine. Did you hear on the news that there may be another bigger earthquake!!!! Get out of there!!!!!

Brian on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Justine, iIf I recall from the last time I was in Cali, the proper procedure during an earthquake is to hide in a ditch and watch out for flying cows.

Or maybe that’s tornadoes, I don’t remember.

One thing I’m pretty sure of tho — you’re supposed to follow each quake and aftershock with a shot. A shot of what doesn’t really matter, but the higher the alcohol content the better!

Glad you’re safe!

Kyle on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

Wow! Glad to know you made it through your first earthquake haha, nice fist thing you do is twittter >..< Haha.

Love your blog Justine!

Katmandu Herself on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

WoW .Its funny to c how relative life is. In Mexico city a 5.4 earthquake is not much. We had an 8 . something earthquake in 85 where thousands of ppl died and half of the city were distroid. For us having a 5 or 6 degrees earthquake is a relief cause it means that energy is being realised and there for a biger earthquake is not coming… And thats how relative life is.

Yamileth on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

By the way some tips in case of being in an earthquake:
1 Dont run, dont push others, dont shout, dont panic.
2 Walk as soon as possible to the neirest exit and get outdors into a save spot stay in there untill the eathquake is done.
3 If u r in a very tall construction then protect ur self against an object that can make a 90 degrees angle like a bar table or anything alike , in case the structure collapses ull probaly will be in a hole or buble in between all the rests, that way ull probably save ur life.

Yamileth on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm

glad youre okay justine!
ive never experienced an earthquake before.
guess thats what i get for being from Minnesota.

Jeremy J.R. Reichenberger
(Minnesota Intern) hehe.

J.R. Oakwood on Jul 30th 2008 at 2:49 pm