Veto,
I’m in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Basically on the plateau between the two/double ridges that run up the east coast (in that little “foot” between NC, WV, & TN). Maybe that’s why I felt it so well? My house is where it’s mostly clay with a bit of top soil rather than on the rocky side of one of those mountains :)
Sounds like you live in a beautiful and safe spot, sevenufnine. A little shake never hurt anyone. It’s when the books and cans and knickknacks start flying thru the air that serious damage is done.
I had just moved into a new apartment in SanFrancisco when a moderate quake hit. Two dogs, a cat and I ran thru rooms deciding what to rescue…of course, the full-length mirror leaning against the wall, hadn’t been properly installed yet. So I stood and held it up while the shaking went on, pets frowning at me as if to say, “Why don’t you STOP this shaking? “
And I almost forgot the ‘89 World Series Quake — 6.9 I lived quite close to the San Andreas fault, buildings in my neighborhood sustained major damage, with refrigerators flying through apartments etc. I wasn’t home when quake hit. Elevator went out in my bldg, I had to walk up five flights, rubble in the halls; my neighbor with whom I shared a long wall was shouting, stuck in her apartment. I put my shoulder to her door and forced it open.
. Shocked to see china cabinet tipped over, part of the ceiling down, etc etc. Then we went to my apartment door, it opened with no problem. NO DAMAGE, and I mean zero. NOTHING. My cat gave me that look, “Where were you? I had a heck of a time keeping everything in place.”
Anyway, it’s really interesting when a big disaster hits, what gets wrecked, what doesn’t. Glass-doored china cabinets are not a good idea, little locks on every cabinet, kitchen, bathroom, etc, are a good idea.
I don’t think you have to worry much about quakes, though. Seems like a safe area.