"Our larger counties have done this already, but to take a survey of the building types. Much of the state’s efforts on earthquake retrofitting and preparedness involve checking with counties about potentially dangerous buildings. This infrequency means funding for earthquake readiness and preparation may not be a priority for state and federal lawmakers. The difference between earthquakes and fires and floods is frequency - fires happen every year in Northern Nevada, and while floods don't happen every year, they occur more frequently than major earthquakes. The amount of damage, if any, depends on factors such as the size of the earthquake, the type of motion and the proximity to the epicenter. Building damage is always a primary concern when an earthquake hits. "Being two weeks ready just gives you that padding for any type of a big event," Woodward said.Įarthquakes are in the top three hazards the state is watching for every year, along with fires and floods, according to Woodward. ![]() Oftentimes, people don’t have enough food, water and supplies on hand if they are left without basic utilities in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. Those supply lines are vital so emergency vehicles can help people and supplies reach those who need them. Large earthquakes occur so infrequently in a person’s lifetime that in the stress or surprise of the moment, they might forget to duck and cover and stay indoors.Įarthquakes and other natural disasters such as floods and fires can also substantially affect areas with only one road in and out. Some of the biggest dangers to the public are a lack of awareness and preparedness around earthquakes and other natural disasters, according to Woodward. If the quake measured stronger than a 6.0 magnitude, the state expects to do some inspections. Woodward said there are a lot of factors that come into play when determining whether to check a building for damage after an earthquake. "A lot of the retrofitting is bracing, but they might be replacing some windows too." "So if somebody was replacing their roof, they might want to do a retrofit at the same time," said Woodward. She works to coordinate the process of retrofitting buildings, which means updating them to better endure the shaking of an earthquake. Janell Woodward, as the state hazard mitigation officer, helps prepare Nevada for natural disasters. Earthquakes at that magnitude are potentially destructive. Between 18, 62 earthquakes at or above a 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale have hit the state, including three greater than a 7.0. While lawmakers and lobbyists were able to quickly laugh off the brief interruption in May, experts hope Nevadans don't take for granted how dangerous quakes can be and how to prepare if a large one hits. "We're actually the fastest-growing state, tectonically speaking," Faulds said. ![]() ![]() According to Faulds, the state is adding several acres of land every year, and with that growth comes seismic activity, typically in the form of earthquakes. Underneath the surface, Nevada is undergoing what's called crustal stretching. "It's actually accommodating around 20 or 25 percent of the motion between the Pacific and North American plates." "That's a really interesting part of the tectonic setting of western North America," said James Faulds, the state geologist and director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology in an interview for the IndyMatters podcast in January. One particularly active area is the Walker Lane, an area of disorganized faults that runs through western and southwestern Nevada and was the origin of the earthquake that shook the Legislature in May 2021. Nevada is no stranger to earthquakes, being the third most seismically active state in the U.S. ![]() VIDEO: The Nevada Senate Committee on Finance was hearing a bill about expanding Medicaid coverage when this morning's earthquake hit near Carson City.
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