Nevadans participate in large-scale earthquake drill
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Millions of people around the country participated in an earthquake drill on Thursday morning. Video by ktnv.com
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Today is the day for a nationwide earthquake drill. Reporter Makayla Zurn has some tips on how to stay safe during an earthquake. Video by ktnv.com
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The Great Nevada ShakeOut is scheduled for 10:18 a.m. Oct. 18. Video by ktnv.com
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Millions of people around the country participated in an earthquake drill on Thursday morning. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Millions of people around the country participated in an earthquake drill on Thursday morning.
More than half a million people committed to take part in our state alone during the 2012 Great Nevada ShakeOut.
At 10:18 a.m., you may have heard radio stations warning of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
It was only a drill.
At that time, hundreds of thousands of people here in the valley practiced what to do if disaster were to strike.
Nevada has not experienced a large earthquake in nearly a century, but that does not mean it couldn't happen here.
Surprisingly, Nevada is the third most seismically active state in the country, behind California and Alaska.
But the reason we don't feel a lot of shaking in Las Vegas is because most earthquake activity happens along Nevada's western border and in central Nevada.
Experts say that if a large earthquake was to hit the Las Vegas area, it could cause extensive damage to buildings and possibly injure hundreds of people.
And, of course, Las Vegas would take a huge financial hit if any of the hotels and casinos had to stop operation for a few days or weeks.
But, our local government has gotten tough on building codes to make sure that Las Vegas is not reduced to rubble.
So, do you know what to do if a earthquake should hit?
Drop, cover and hold on.
During a large earthquake, the ground will shake and may even knock you down.
Experts say that people should get underneath something sturdy -- like your desk if you are at work at the time -- and hold on to something until the shaking stops.
They also say that the greatest concerns are unsecured furnishings and pretty much anything that is put on a shelf or on a wall. It is advised to secure such items if at all possible.
Things NOT to do during an earthquake include:
Do NOT get in a doorway.
Do NOT run outside.
Do NOT believe the so-called "triangle of life"
The cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Clark County and all schools in the Clark County School District will be participating in today's drill.
To sign up to participate in this morning's drill, click here.
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