A 4.6-magnitude earthquake recently struck Los Angeles, causing a brief disruption in the TMZ newsroom. While some staff members reacted appropriately and took cover, not everyone reacted immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first step during an earthquake is to drop to the ground and crawl under a sturdy desk or table to protect oneself from falling objects. If no such structure is available, individuals should seek shelter near low-lying furniture and cover their neck and head. Our reporter Charlie Neff followed these guidelines and quickly took cover, thanks to the countless earthquake drills she experienced in elementary school.

On the other hand, her colleague Brendon Geoffrion began to wander around and investigate the ceiling, disregarding the recommended safety measures. Despite some initial panic and surprise, everyone in the office remained unharmed and no major damage was reported. It is important to remember that earthquakes can feel different to each person, so it is always safer to drop, cover, and hold until the shaking subsides.