Nevada has not had an earthquake located directly under one of its communities yet, although Fallon certainly had damaging shaking from the 1954 earthquakes located to the east. Unfortunately, at some point in the future, an earthquake close to a community will occur and, depending on how well constructed the buildings are and how well prepared people are, a disaster may happen. This disaster could have many injuries, possible deaths, large property losses, and major disruption of services. Disruption of services really means disruption of everything. For example, in past earthquake disasters, the electricity goes out, which means gas pumps, computers, cash registers, ATMs, as well as any of your electric appliances will not work unless you have a backup generator that is functional. Natural gas may be out. Water may be out or unsafe for use. Telephone lines will be overwhelmed. Stores and businesses will not be able to be open immediately following an event. For the first few days you are largely on your own. Shelters may be set up within 24 hours, but keep in mind that shelters, a school for example, need to be inspected first to assure public safety from aftershocks, and there may be a delay in opening. It is also likely that in the disaster setting, you or those around you will have to administer any initial first aid, if needed, and in many cases, will have to transport the injured to the nearest hospital.

Your battery-powered radio will be your source of information about shelters and open hospitals.Following a disaster the many agencies, companies, and emergency workers involved in getting aid to people and restoring services will be working as fast as they can, but it takes time. Each situation is different, often with many surprises. You may be on your own for 72 hours or more. For the first few days to possibly months, many businesses and schools will be closed. During a disaster your first priorities and attention should be given to your family and immediate neighbors or community. This includes first aid, comforting and reassuring, understanding problems that require immediate attention, and taking the action to solve them. At all times we need to proceed cautiously being mindful of possible aftershocks and hazardous situations, such as a broken natural gas line. People working together to deal with the earthquake effects and begin the road to recovery will gain a certain empowerment over the situation, and will minimize the overall impact on their lives.

Ideally, disasters do not have to happen, even though earthquakes will continue to occur. Many Nevadans, state and local governments, and businesses have taken steps to help prevent dangerous situations from earthquakes in Nevada. But it takes a much larger and deeper commitment to make Nevada truly earthquake resistant. What is clear from recent earthquakes in California, where a lot of preparedness has occurred, is that lives can be saved and property damage minimized with preparedness and mitigation efforts.