A magnitude 3.9 earthquake rattled the Brentwood area of Contra Costa County on Tuesday morning, jolting residents awake and knocking a few picture frames off walls.
Geological Survey says the quake hit shortly before 7 a.m., centered a few miles northeast of town, and was felt across parts of eastern Contra Costa and the San Joaquin Valley.
No injuries or major damage were reported, but plenty of people felt it.
For a region that sits near several active fault lines, this one was a reminder rather than a catastrophe.
Still, if you own a home here, the morning was a good nudge to check a few things you may have been putting off.
The first thing worth looking at is your insurance.
Standard homeowners policies in California do not cover earthquake damage.
You need a separate policy, usually through the California Earthquake Authority or a private insurer.
A common mistake is assuming your regular plan has you covered, then finding out after a quake that cracked foundations and chimneys are on you.
Adding coverage is not free, and the price varies widely depending on where you live, the age of your home, and your deductible.
Many policies carry a deductible of 10 to 15 percent of your home's insured value, which can be a big number.
That is why some families set aside a small emergency fund specifically for the gap, rather than relying on insurance alone.
Then there are the small, cheap fixes that do a lot of work.
Strapping your water heater to the wall with metal straps costs under $30 and prevents a common cause of flooding and fire after a quake.
Securing bookshelves, TVs, and heavy furniture with brackets or museum putty runs a few dollars per item.
Anchoring a gas water heater matters most, since a tipped unit can rupture a gas line.
If you rent, your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your stuff.
Renters insurance is usually $15 to $30 a month and can include earthquake coverage as an add-on.
It also covers temporary housing if your unit becomes unlivable, which is the part most people forget until they need it.
Keep a basic emergency kit somewhere you can grab in the dark.
A gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, any prescription medications, and copies of important documents.
You need a duffel bag and a plan for where your family meets if phones are down.
Finally, know how to shut off your gas meter if you smell rotten eggs after a quake.
Only do it if you suspect a leak, and let the utility turn it back on.
The rule is simple: if you smell it, get out and call from outside. **Our take:** A 3.9 will not make headlines for long, and that is exactly the problem.
The quiet, minor shakers are the cheapest time to get your house and your paperwork in order, before a bigger one gives you no warning at all.
Final Thoughts
Spend an afternoon on straps, a kit, and a phone call to your insurer, and you will sleep better tonight.