Both Verizon and AT&T say their networks are running without interruption following the earthquake.

Verizon said there have been no reported problems with phone services or on stores or employees, while AT&T said its wireless network is "operating normally in areas affected by the earthquake."

Flying debris is a major source of injury during an earthquake. Here are some of the best ways to protect yourself during a quake, according to Ready.gov, a U.S. government-run site that helps people prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters:

• Stay where you are. If you are inside when the shaking starts, stay indoors and resist the urge to run outside. Avoid doorways. If you are outside, stay away from buildings. If you are driving, pull over and set your parking brake.
• Drop, cover and hold on. Wherever you are, drop to your hands and knees to best protect your vital organs and hold onto something sturdy. Then, cover your head and neck with your arms. If there is a sturdy table or desk nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. Finally, hold onto the table or desk with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves during the shaking.
• If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheelchair or walker wheels and cover your head and neck with your hands.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. Be ready to drop, cover and hold on should there be any aftershocks immediately following the earthquake.
• Be ready for future quakes or other emergencies. Make an emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact on it. Plan where you will meet loved ones if you get separated. And have a supply kit that includes several days' worth of food and water, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.

The New York City Police Department’s transit chief said there are "no current reports of any structural damage and/or service disruptions to the NYC Transit system" from the earthquake. 

The transit team is surveying all lines and stations. 

United Airlines said it has diverted a few flights from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after the Federal Aviation Administration put ground stops there.

“We’re monitoring the air travel situation after the East Coast earthquake today. A few United flights diverted from Newark to other airports. We’ll work to have those flights continue to Newark as soon as possible," the company said in a statement.

Newark airport said there were flight disruptions as of Friday afternoon.

“Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight,” the airport said in a statement on X.

So far, there's no indication that any NYC public school buildings were "compromised," Nathaniel Styer, press secretary of the city’s Education Department, said in a post on X.

Staff were "quickly and thoroughly inspecting buildings to ensure safety" following the morning quake.

"The safest place for our kids right now is in our schools, schools are operating as normal," Styer said, noting that building response teams were assembled "out of an abundance of caution."

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the earthquake and is monitoring potential impacts, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a post on X.

"The White House is in touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more," she added in the post.

Edwin Rivas said he was riding the subway during the earthquake and noticed the train's movements were "way wonkier" than usual.

"Not a lot of things like that in New York happen, so it was very scary to stay the least," Rivas told NBC New York.

Bridge and track inspections following the earthquake will cause some delays this morning for NJ Transit riders.

"Rail service system-wide is subject to up to 20-minute delays in both directions due to bridge inspections," NJ Transit said in an alert on its website.

Track inspections have also suspended Newark Light Rail service systemwide and suspended River Line Light Rail service in both directions between the Waterfront Entertainment Center and Trenton.

New York City issued an emergency alert to local phones about a minute ago, and about half an hour after the quake was felt. 

The alert said: “4.7 magnitude earthquake has occurred in the NYC area. Residents are advised to remain indoors and to call 911 if injured.”Aftershocks are still possible after such an earthquake, however, so the alert could serve as a reminder to remain on alert.