Los Angeles’ top earthquake expert is praising two TV anchors who have become the butt of some jokes for diving under their desk when Monday’s 4.4 earthquake hit.

The quake occurred while the KTLA-TV Channel 5 morning news was broadcasting live in Hollywood. The anchors ducked for cover.

“Earthquake, we’re having an earthquake,” anchor Chris Schauble said before he and co-anchor Megan Henderson ducked underneath the desk. Twitter erupted with Schauble memes, showing his face frozen in shock.

U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones applauded the KTLA anchors for doing the right thing — and had firm words for those snickering at them.


“You might feel a little silly doing it for the small one. When the Big One happens, it means you stay alive, as the lights come crashing down,” Jones said.

Jones also serves as the city of Los Angeles’ quake czar.

Schauble had fun with the video, tweeting: “WATCH exact moment when 4.4 earthquake hit Westwood section of Los Angeles! @MeganHenderson played it cool. Not me!”