California had a big earthquake today, so why didn't anyone feel it?

State's annual 'Shake Out' exercise simulated a major quake in California.

We just had an earthquake here in California that sent millions of residents dashing for cover. So why isn't the news telling us how large it was? It's because the earthquake wasn't real. Instead, California just held its annual "Shake Out" statewide earthquake drill. Coinciding with the drill is the announcement that the Bay Area could experience a more devastating quake than anticipated as well as updated safety procedures.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Californians participated in "Shake Out" the state's annual earthquake drill. It was an opportunity to practice new safety measures and to talk about earthquake news.

Public officials have revised what we should do in event of a quake. Common behavior includes running outside, or running to cover. Officials are now asking people not to do this. People who run outside may be hit by falling glass or debris as they step outside. Instead of running, where you are at risk of being hit by a falling object, people are being asked to take cover exactly where they are.

If a person is able to get under a table with ease, they should do so, but it can be dangerous to run to one. Instead, use your arm if you have nothing else to protect your head. People lying in bed should turn on their belly to protect vital organs.

These measures may not seem like much, but research proves they can make the difference between life and death for some victims.

These improved measures have been introduced at the same time scientists announced the discovery that the infamous Hayward fault in San Francisco is connected to another, less active fault. This connection means that any potential earthquake on either fault could be amplified into a 7.9 catastrophe.

The two faults intersect under San Pablo Bay, which is a shallow body of water north of San Francisco. If one fault ruptures, the break could spread to the other fault, making the quake much more powerful.

Finally, scientists have suggested that the state begin issuing earthquake forecasts the same way they issue weather forecasts. Seismologists now know that large quakes can be proceeded by small ones, about half of the time. A certain pattern, like the earthquake swarm that recently occurred under the Salton Sea, can increase the probability of a large quake happening within hours or days.

Scientists urge people to keep perspective however. Even following an earthquake swarm, chances of a major quake remain very unlikely on any given day. But the probability exists.

Making this information available to the public can make people pay attention to earthquake risk and preparedness. However, there is concern people will become careless if quakes do not occur.

California has enjoyed an extended period without any major quakes in years. It remains to be seen if this "earthquake drought" means a new period of tranquility for the Golden State, or if a monster quake is about to strike.

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