Jul 29, 2008 - Claremont, Calif. - This morning's earthquake—recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a magnitude 5.4, located 3 miles WSW of Chino Hills, Calif.—caused no damage to the Harvey Mudd College campus.

"We’ve surveyed the campus and found no damage or injuries," said Theresa Potter, assistant vice president and director of HMC's Facilities and Maintenance Office. "Most people just reported rattled nerves."

There have already been a series of aftershocks as noted on the USGS website. In the event of additional aftershocks or another earthquake, here is a list of things to remember:

• Stay inside—debris falling from the outside of buildings can cause serious injury.
• Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture, in a supported doorway or along an inside wall. Protect your head, neck and spine.
• Stay away from glass and other items that may fall.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Extinguish any open flame (candles and matches, for example) and do not use  lighters, flashlights, etc., because of possible gas leaks.
• Do not run for exits that may be jammed with people, stairways that may be broken or elevators, since power may fail.
• When tremors stop, leave the building until structural safety can be assessed. Follow the instructions of campus emergency officials.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, go to HMC’s emergency preparedness website.

You may contact Theresa Potter or Melonee Cruse, HMC’s emergency coordinator, with questions regarding emergency preparedness on campus. Both can be reached by phone at (909) 621-8226 or by email at theresa_potter@hmc.edu and melonee_cruse@hmc.edu.