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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Fresno, CA

Home Care Fresno, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting FAC Water Tower in Fresno, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fresno, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Fresno, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“My family has been fortunate to have Always Best Care provide care for my elderly mother for approximately two years. My mother is in her late 80s and not an easy person to deal with at times. Subsequent to her hospitalization and release, we coordinated with Always Best Care for caregiver, Chelsea to come into her home every week to assist my mother with her daily life, chores, etc. Chelsea has literally been a gift from God to us. I honestly don’t know what we would do without the professional help of Chelsea. She handled my mother’s many needs and moods with a very delicate and compassionate touch. She is simply the best. I cannot recommend her professional qualities and services highly enough. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information. Thank you very much.”

William P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love the information the office provide and how wonderful the office looked. Chelsea provide me with enough information.”

Sarah R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am writing in regards to my husband’s caregiver, Angeles. We appreciate her so much. When she first started caring for my husband, he was not sure he liked her and would call me to send her home. She worked really hard to try to work with him as he can be stubborn and angry at times. Over time they have developed a real bond. She is attentive and wherever he is, she is right behind him. When I get home from work , my husband is always in a good mood and I’m very appreciative of the relationship Angeles have built with my husband and the care she has provided him. Also, Angeles went above and beyond the tasks assigned to her and I have nothing but praise for all the Caregivers that Always Best Care Senior Services have.”

Jill M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My mother was under the care of Always Best Care from 2018 until her untimely passing in 2022. She had a number of physical disabilities and the staff from Always Best Care provided quality care in assisting with her hygienic needs, attending to light housekeeping, food preparation and providing transportation to and from medical appointments. My mother always felt well cared for by the staff of Always Best Care. When my mother passed away in mid-December 2022, the staff at Always Best Care recognized the emotionally vulnerable position of my 87 year old Father and decided to continue assigning a compassionate Caregiver for him. Their ability to recognize the importance of this continuum of care is greatly appreciated by our family. Ultimately, our family has been very satisfied and pleased with the service that Always Best Care has provided to both our parents. They have demonstrated sincere concern, care and compassion when it comes to our parents’ physical and emotional care and we would recommend their services to anyone.”

Rick W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Fresno, CA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Fresno, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Fresno, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Fresno, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Fresno, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Woodward Park in Fresno, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Fresno, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Van Ness Arch (Fresno entrance gate), don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Fresno, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Fresno, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Fresno, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Fresno, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Fresno, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fresno, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Fresno, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Fresno, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Pacifica Senior Living Fresno
  • Westmont of Fresno
  • Vintage Gardens Assisted Living Community
  • Kingston Bay Senior Living
  • Sunrise of Fresno
  • Garden Terrace Assisted Living
Home Care Fresno, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Fresno, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fresno, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Fresno, CA

Latest News in Fresno, CA

Fresno has one of the best small airports in the US — and the only one in CA

Traveling to California and hoping to avoid the “hustle and bustle” of a major airport?You’re in luck. One of the best small airports in the U.S. “that help you avoid stress and crowds” is about 1.5 hours south of Yosemite National Park in Fresno, according to a new USA Today 10Best list.It’s also the only California airport that made the list. Here’s why:What makes Fresno’s one of the best small airports in the country?“Fresno Yosemite International Airport&...

Traveling to California and hoping to avoid the “hustle and bustle” of a major airport?

You’re in luck. One of the best small airports in the U.S. “that help you avoid stress and crowds” is about 1.5 hours south of Yosemite National Park in Fresno, according to a new USA Today 10Best list.

It’s also the only California airport that made the list. Here’s why:

What makes Fresno’s one of the best small airports in the country?

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s location makes it all about convenience,” the 10Best editors wrote.

The airport offers frequent flights from several travel hubs across the country, and is about a 65-mile drive up to Yosemite National Park, the Fresno Bee previously reported.

The airport has also been undergoing a major expansion over the last several years to increase capacity and improve travelers’ experience, the airport said online.

“The commitment to its expansion over the years makes it a reliable option with nonstop flights to 12 major cities across the U.S. including hubs like Chicago and Dallas Fort Worth,” the 10Best editors wrote. “There’s an emphasis on airport cleanliness and streamlined passenger experience, and there’s even a terminal lobby filled with giant sequoia tree replicas to give travelers a sneak peek of the region’s famed species.”

In a statement, the airport said the recognition “is a testament to elevating the customer experience at FAT through flight offerings, easy access, and amenities.” The “nominations were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before being voted on by the public,” the statement added.

“This national accolade would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment to safety, security, and hospitality from our airport community,” the airport’s Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida said in the statement. “We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our travelers and to the community members who support and fly Fresno Yosemite International Airport each and every day.”

Fresno Yosemite International Airport came in at No. 10 on the 10Best list.

Which other small airports made the 10Best list?

Here are the top small airports, according to USA Today:

1. Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan

2. Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York

3. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island

4. Myrtle Beach International Airport in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

5. Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina

6. Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester, New York

7. Huntsville International Airport in Huntsville, Alabama

8. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas

9. Pensacola International Airport in Pensacola, Florida

10. Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, California

Between Sequoia National Park And Fresno Is California's Cozy Mountain City With Sierra Nevada Charm And A Trail

The United States has more than 100 mountain ranges. Many travelers are familiar with the largest ones, including the Appalachian Mountains — among the oldest mountains on the planet — the Rocky Mountains, home to some of America's best parks and outdoor experiences, and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, where the highest mountain peak in the contiguous U.S. is located. Aside from world-famous attractions like the towering Mount Whitney, sparkling-blue Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada region also features...

The United States has more than 100 mountain ranges. Many travelers are familiar with the largest ones, including the Appalachian Mountains — among the oldest mountains on the planet — the Rocky Mountains, home to some of America's best parks and outdoor experiences, and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, where the highest mountain peak in the contiguous U.S. is located. Aside from world-famous attractions like the towering Mount Whitney, sparkling-blue Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada region also features lesser-known gems that are worth a detour. Welcome to Woodlake, California, located between Sequoia National Forest and Fresno. With a population of about 7,600 residents, this cozy mountain city is framed by spectacular natural scenery.

Situated in Central California's San Joaquin Valley, Woodlake sits on a picturesque manmade reservoir, Bravo Lake, which is lined with a pretty waterfront trail showing off breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains. Ideal for strolling or cycling, it leads to one of the town's primary attractions: the beautiful Woodlake Botanical Garden.

Walk or bike around Bravo Lake to visit the Woodlake Botanical Garden

Low-lying citrus and olive trees border the 3.3-mile Bravo Lake Trail. This easy, mostly flat path starts and ends in town, looping around the reservoir. There's not much shade along the way, so if it's sunny out, it's wise to go early or late. The trail is appropriate for strollers, wheelchairs, and dogs, and you don't have to stray too far from town (or complete the whole 1- to 1.5-hour loop) to access the trail's key highlight, the Woodlake Botanical Gardens.

Occupying 13 acres on the water's edge, the botanical gardens display flowers, trees, fruits, and vegetables native to the region. The site is free to enter, though donations are appreciated, and guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. You'll likely spot colorful birds and butterflies, especially in spring and summer, when many of the garden's flowers are in full bloom. Find out more about the best botanical gardens in America.

Note that while there's a gate around the main garden (admission is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), there's an adjacent rose garden (with more than 100 varieties) that is outside the gate and always open to visitors. If you're not up for the longer loop around Bravo Lake, enjoy a shorter, 1.2-mile walking tour of the botanical gardens to admire sunflowers and fruits, from peaches and plums to grapes, cherries, and apricots.

Plan your trip to Woodlake

Though there are a few vacation rentals around town, Woodlake doesn't have any hotels. The closest lodgings are in nearby Lemon Cove, about a 10-minute drive away. The Parks Inn Bed & Breakfast (rooms from about $200 per night), set amid fragrant orange groves, is a low-key B&B. About 15 minutes south of Woodlake, you'll find the Best Western Exeter Inn & Suites (from $160 per night), with an outdoor pool that's a perk in summer. Back in Woodlake, a range of dining venues are located near the lake and botanical gardens. Go for salads and sandwiches at Munchies Coffee, or feast on Mexican food at Las Espuelas.

The town is an hour's drive from Fresno and its international airport, and just a half-hour by car from Sequoia National Park, America's second-oldest national park. Within about an hour's drive of Woodlake are a few wineries that may be of interest to travelers passing through. Riffelhof Vineyards Winery in Miramonte is a working ranch with vineyards and orchards, and wine tastings can be arranged by appointment. Sierra Peaks Winery in Yokuts Valley has a pretty deck that guests can reserve for sipping wines with mountain and vineyard views.

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Oct. 16: Earthquake of 2.5 magnitude registered close to Mammoth Lakes, CA

FRESNO COUNTY, CA - Thursday afternoon, a preliminary 2.5 magnitude quake was recorded near Mammoth Lakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.A tremor shook the area at 5:07 p.m. The earthquake's epicenter was situated approximately 14 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and occurred at a depth of 5 miles.Did you feel it? Those who noticed the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.Tremors last week Three quakes of magnitude 2.5 or above have been reported in the reg...

FRESNO COUNTY, CA - Thursday afternoon, a preliminary 2.5 magnitude quake was recorded near Mammoth Lakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A tremor shook the area at 5:07 p.m. The earthquake's epicenter was situated approximately 14 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and occurred at a depth of 5 miles.

Did you feel it?

Those who noticed the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.

Tremors last week

Three quakes of magnitude 2.5 or above have been reported in the region in the past week. The strongest, a 2.6 magnitude quake, struck close to Toms Place four days earlier.

The three largest earthquakes nearby in the last week:

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U. S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Earthquakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage.

What to do during an earthquake

If an earthquake strikes, it's best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

If you're in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

If you're in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.

If you're outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don't go inside.

If you're inside: Stay and don't run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy," officials say. "If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops." Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

"There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," officials say. "Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock."

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey

This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to [email protected].

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This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.