Confronting the Inevitable

Earthquakes are a part of Nevada's natural history. The Earth's crust is being pulled apart and wrenched sideways in Nevada, and much of this deformation is accompanied by earthquakes. In western Nevada, where the hazard is the highest in the state, most citizens have experienced small events every couple of years. The most recent major events in the state were in 1954, east of Fallon, when five earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater (two of magnitude 7) occurred over a period of six months and strongly shook central Nevada. Earthquakes have occurred less frequently in other parts of the state, and some people may not be aware of the earthquake threat.

We know earthquakes occur in the future in Nevada because:

• small earthquakes indicating seismic activity occur every day in the state,
• active faults, the sources of most earthquakes, are found throughout the state, and
• precise measurements indicate the Earth's crust is deforming and storing up stress for future earthquakes.

How does this affect our daily lives? Do we only have to worry if we live near an earthquake fault or where a large earthquake has occurred in the past? Is every place just as dangerous? What can we do about it anyway? Is it worth the effort, or should we just take our chances and deal with an earthquake after it occurs?

This guide has put together the most recent information on the earthquake hazards in Nevada. It shows ways to be prepared for earthquakes and to survive them when they occur, minimizing their impact on your life.

Remember: Natural Hazards are inevitable. Earthquake loss of people and property is NOT!