Hundreds of small earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault has Southern California on a heightened alert for a major earthquake.
In fact, San Bernardino officials shut down city hall over the scare. But what does this mean for Nevadans?
Experts say although California is quite a distance away, if that earthquake hits, there is a good chance people in Las Vegas will feel it.
"Things would sway -- they would be these long periods motions will cause the bigger buildings to sway," said Dr. William Savage with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Savage said the key lesson is that yes the building codes have been applied rigorously and do provide a lot of protection from earthquakes but it doesn't mean there won't be damage.
That said, last year's 4.8-magnitude earthquake near Caliente caused damage to southbound U.S. 95, which caused the highway to be shut down.
If California does take a big hit, we'll also feel it in the form of oil, gas and other goods. If roads close, we could get our supply cut off.
Nevada is the third most active earthquake state. With so many unknowns, Emergency Management says families should keep a stockpile of food, water and have an emergency plan in place.
Clark County is also promoting earthquake safety during the month of October.
The Clark County Commission will unveil a public service announcement to promote earthquake safety at Tuesday’s County Commission featuring Drew and Jonathan Scott, hosts of HGTV’s “Property Brothers,” “Brother vs. Brother,” “Buying and Selling” and “Property Brothers at Home” cable TV shows.
The PSA promotes earthquake preparedness during the month of October as part of Great Nevada Shakeout activities. The County Commission also will issue a proclamation in support of the Great Nevada Shakeout and a public education effort under way this month that includes billboards and a partnership with the Clark County School District.
