One of the strongest earthquakes in Nevada occurred in 1954 near Fairview Peak east of Fallon.
LVN file
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake Dec. 9 rattled residents from Sacramento to Churchill County but caused no significant damage.
The first recording of a quake came at 3:08 p.m. about 14 miles northeast of Yerington. Aftershocks followed for six hours.
Officials in Churchill County, including emergency manager Steve Endacott, have been telling residents to remain vigilant because of the state’s history of earthquakes. Endacott said residents should review any preparation and escape plans for their homes or businesses.
Nevada is the third most active state for earthquakes following Alaska and California. Two of Nevada’s strongest tremors occurred in 70 years ago east of Fallon. A series of earthquakes east near Fairview Peak and northeast of Fallon in 1954 caused considerable damage in the region. The quakes ranged from a magnitude 6.6 to 7.1. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 37 miles west of Tonopah in May 2020 followed by a series of aftershocks felt throughout the region.
Seismological Laboratory Director Christie Rowe told the Nevada News Group the earthquake occurred about 7 miles deep in a fault zone called the Wabuska Lineament and could be felt as far west as San Francisco.
“The initial information is an automated algorithm that is posted as quickly as possible,” Rowe said. “Our analysts will go in and carefully locate where the earthquake is. There is a little feedback, and what we saw was what was jumping and as we settled.”
Monday’s earthquake was a left-lateral strike slip along the Wabuska Lineament, a cluster of northeast-striking faults in the mountains east of Reno.
Most of the residents responding to the Lahontan Valley News Facebook post on the Yerington quake said they felt the shaking but saw no damage.
“Fast shaking for a couple of seconds followed by a lazy, dizzying rolling for another few seconds,” reported Nikki Hussein. “No loud noises or damage at our house on Fallon’s east side.”
A resident from the Bench district east of Hazen said the earthquake grabbed her attention.
“After the first jolt, I heard the rumbling in the distance and then our entire house swayed,” Michele Yoder Beaudoin said.
Beth Freniere was shopping when the first quake struck.
“I watched the wall of men’s socks in TJ Maxx shake every which way,” she said. “I’ve never experienced an earthquake in my 45 years. Nothing appeared amiss at the house when I got home.”
A few residents said they experienced the earthquake as did residents in Stagecoach.
Downtown businessman Bill Post described the first few minutes of the earthquake.
“My building literally swayed and rocked for what seemed to be 5 minutes,” Bill Post said. “I’ve never felt one that long before. No damage that we can see.”
Lacy Koontz Porter Menzies said there was shaking at Lahontan Reservoir.
“Everything inching off of shelves. Structures and ground crazy,” she described.
Laurie Fullerton reported no damage, but she said the tremor shook her horse shelter and made the horses scramble.
“I heard it, it was loud, but didn’t feel it on my feet,” Fullerton added.
PREPARING AND SURVIVING AN EARTHQUAKE
Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
You’ll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires.
It’s also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.
Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
◦If you’re indoors, stay there. Get under — and hold onto –a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
If you’re outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
If you’re driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.
If you’re in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you’re near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there’s evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.
The Nevada Appeal contributed to this article.