Emergency Preparedness

We can never predict when a disaster may happen in one or all of our communities. The best thing we can all do is to make plans, build our 72-96 hour kits, and become educated. The three most likely disasters that could happen in our community are:

1) Earthquake. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 can cause slight damage to buildings and other structures. An earthquake greater than 7.0 magnitude can cause serious damage. There is evidence that Utah has experienced damaging earthquakes and geological evidence indicates that a large earthquake is likely to occur sometime in the future. When a large disaster such as an earthquake occurs, emergency personnel are spread very thin. Neighbors need to help neighbors. We want our residents to be prepared so that they know what to do and have the resources to take care of themselves if need be for up to five days or so. We suggest you get to know your neighbors. Do you have a doctor or a nurse nearby? Do you know someone who is trained in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or has first aid training?

2) Wildland Fires. Utah has been experiencing very HOT summers and the valley and mountains are especially susceptible to wildland fires due to drought, heat, lightning and high winds. These types of fires can take off quickly and grow to thousands of acres. We need to do our due diligence and help protect our homes from a wildfire by reducing tall grasses or low-lying trees near our homes. in order to keep a defensible space around our homes.

3) Severe Weather. In our 4-season state, we experience heavy snow, freezing temperatures, high winds, and flooding. We need to be prepared and have tools, sandbags, snow removal equipment, tie downs and other materials available at our homes.

We are providing the following information to help you plan and prepare and possibly shelter in your own home.

Plan Ahead for Disasters - https://www.ready.gov

Utah Emergency Planning - https://beready.utah.go

USGS Water Watch - https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/?m=real&r=ut

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - https://www.noaa.gov/weather

Earthquake Information USGS - https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?extent=21.61658,-130.16602&extent=52.02546,-59.85352

National Water and Climate Center - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/