All residents are encouraged to prepare for a possible future earthquake along the Wasatch Front. Utah has experienced damaging earthquakes in the past, and geologic evidence indicates that earthquakes larger than any previously experienced are likely in the future. For example, in March 2020, a 5.7 earthquake hit the Magna area, causing considerable damage and inconvenience, especially among residents who had not prepared for an earthquake.
Factors to consider include the following:
- The Wasatch Front, including Utah County, is a seismically active region
- Many of our older buildings and lifelines have low earthquake resistance
- Several of the “pioneer temples” built in the 1800’s were not built to withstand earthquake-level stresses, and are currently being renovated to withstand a major 7.3 intensity quake
- Depending on the severity of the quake, even newer homes may receive substantial damage, and become unlivable until repaired
- Utilities, such as drinking water, power and sewer connections, may be damaged during a quake, and may take days or weeks to repair, depending on the extent of the damage
- During a strong earthquake, highways and bridges may also receive damage that makes them hazardous or impossible to drive on until they are repaired
For these reasons, it is important to be prepared for a moderate-to-severe earthquake along the Wasatch Front. Here are a few earthquake preparedness tips:
- Anchor wall hangings and shelving units to studs to ensure they don’t fall over
- Ensure that your water heater is anchored securely to the wall
- Keep heavy items on low shelves or the floor
- If you’re outside when an earthquake hits, get low to the ground and move away from buildings, utility wires, and any fuel or gas lines
- If driving, slow to a stop as quickly and safely as possible, making sure to stay away from overpasses, bridges, cliffs, tall buildings, telephone poles, and utility wires
- To increase your chances of coming through an earthquake unscathed, you should remember these three things: drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to the ground. Cover your head and neck. And get under nearby sturdy furniture such as a table or desk and hold on to whatever stationary object you can, such as the table or desk leg.
For additional guidance, please refer to the resource links below.
Emergency Preparedness Games for Children and Families: These games help children and families to prepare for various emergencies, including earthquakes. If you want to go directly to the earthquake game in “Disaster Master”, click on the “tsunami/earthquake” icon and then use the password “seismic” to begin the game. https://www.ready.gov/kids/games
Emergency Preparedness Tabletop RPG for Young Adults and Teens: “Dice and Disasters: A Tabletop Role-playing Game of Disaster Preparedness!” Similar in gameplay to D&D genre tabletop games, but focused on emergency preparedness scenarios and participants, and only requiring a pair of six-sided dice. You’ll need an imaginative “Master of Disaster” (similar to a dungeon master) to lead the game and make it interesting for all participants. The link below is to a printable PDF, with instructions for the players and for the Master of Disaster. https://mil.wa.gov/asset/6166681e11ce8
Earthquake Safety at Home: An exploration through all of the things that might fail or break in your home, if a major earthquake strikes. In “Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt”, look at each item that is pointed to inside the picture of a nice-looking home, and discover the hidden weaknesses that may exist. Then look at the same items in your own home, and determine if they will be safe in an earthquake. There are also some skills that you may need to gain, such as knowing how to turn off the home’s water and gas valves, and where they are located. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_earthquakes_fema-p-530-earthquake-safety-at-home-march-2020.pdf
Area Temporal Preparedness Guide [PDF]: These guidelines and activities can help you become more prepared. For earthquake preparedness, look at the section titled “Preparing Your Home for Emergencies”, including the earthquake-specific information at the bottom of the section. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/77/b3/77b3c5ac2ff411eebc57eeeeac1e1c531a5ef12a/utah_area_preparedness_guide.pdf
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country [PDF]: This handbook provides information about the threat posed by earthquakes in Utah, particularly along the Wasatch Front. It explains how you can prepare for, survive, and recover from these events.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cmWPQL4iXM1vcVEMs7eXR1RuHzJjOdur/view
Earthquake Preparedness: Earthquakes can be very dangerous and can occur at any time of the year. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the chances of death, serious injury, or property damage.
https://beprepared.com/blogs/articles/earthquake-preparedness-2
Stonewood Neighbors 