LOVELOCK - A series of 122 earthquakes in the Carson City area have experts concerned about what may follow.
"Based on the historical record of earthquakes in the region, as earthquakes sequences progress, the probability of larger events that could be felt or that could potentially cause damaging ground shaking increases. We're working with state emergency managers and are watching this closely so citizens can be informed and prepared," Graham Kent, director of the Nevada Seismological Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno said in a press release June 21.
The sequence of small earthquakes started on June 1 with a magnitude of 1.1 with the last one recorded by the Nevada Seismological Lab at UNR on June 22 registering a 1.4 magnitude. During the succession there were a 2.9 and two 2.8 magnitude quakes recorded.
"You never know if these are going to lead to a bigger earthquake or if a big one is going to come out of the blue. The best thing to do is get prepared before it happens and stay prepared," said Pershing County Director of Emergency Management Charles Sparke.
Sparke referred to his Washoe County emergency preparedness guide book.
"Get prepared before anything happens," Sparke said.
He said to fasten shelves to the wall; put heavy objects on lower shelves, where if they fall they won't be able to fall on a person. Know where and how to shut off electrical power, gas lines
- See EARTHQUAKES, Page 13 -
and water lines and have family drills on what to do in the event of an earthquake or other disaster. Sparke emphasized the importance of having a disaster supply kit ready at all times.
"The public is responsible for protecting themselves. Find out what you should do to be prepared," he said.
Sparke suggested the website www.washoecounty.us/em/preparedness.html to get a free downloadable booklet that give preparedness tips on earthquakes and other disasters.
Other sources for earthquake preparedness can be found online at www.seismo.unr.edu/.
"It is better to be prepared and have nothing happen, than not to be prepared when something does happen," Sparke said.
He also suggested taking part in the statewide earthquake drill, the Great Nevada Shake Out on Oct. 17. More information about the Great Nevada Shake Out can be found at their website http://www.shakeout.org/nevada/.[[In-content Ad]]
