According to a KSL news cast on April 17, 2012:
"The infamous Wasatch Fault Line is 240 miles long, extending from Malad City, Idaho south to Fayette, Utah. The Brigham City, Weber, Salt Lake, Provo and Nephi segments of that fault run through the most populated areas of our state.
At least 23 magnitude seven
quakes have hit these segments over the past 6500 years - an average of a
big shakeup every 300 years.
"I don't want to say we're overdue, but based on this paleo-seismic
evidence and the geologic evidence from trenching the fault, it would
not be unexpected for one to happen soon," Koper said.
Tomorrow, five, fifty, a hundred years from now? The experts don't know but say it will happen."
These so called "rumors" of Utah being long overdue for a quake are really more than rumors. There is much scientific evidence pointing to the likely hood that "the big one" is coming.
This past Thursday, I attended a local presentation about earthquake preparedness. The presenter was Maralin Hoff, otherwise known as the "Earthquake Lady." Below are my notes from the meeting as well as photos of her display. I am also including links to all of the handouts that were given, as they are available on the Utah state website.
"The infamous Wasatch Fault Line is 240 miles long, extending from Malad City, Idaho south to Fayette, Utah. The Brigham City, Weber, Salt Lake, Provo and Nephi segments of that fault run through the most populated areas of our state.
Tomorrow, five, fifty, a hundred years from now? The experts don't know but say it will happen."
These so called "rumors" of Utah being long overdue for a quake are really more than rumors. There is much scientific evidence pointing to the likely hood that "the big one" is coming.
This past Thursday, I attended a local presentation about earthquake preparedness. The presenter was Maralin Hoff, otherwise known as the "Earthquake Lady." Below are my notes from the meeting as well as photos of her display. I am also including links to all of the handouts that were given, as they are available on the Utah state website.
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Train your brain to know and get to these safe areas. Door frames are generally recognized as safe as well as Bathrooms (commercial bldgs.), closets, or hallway.
It is a good idea to go through each room at home with your family and at work with your employees and/or co-workers and talk about which areas are safe.
Be aware of glass-display cases, etc. in public places. Picture windows in stores and malls, anywhere that glass can explode from you want to be away. If you can't get away, at least turn your back to the glass so if it shatters your face and organs are protected.
If you are in a basement go to center of it. Furthest away from outside windows. Stairs are weak and could collapse. As part of preparing your home for an earthquake, you should secure stairs with "L" brackets from the hardware store. Check basement windows to make sure they will open in an emergency. They used to tell us to get under the beds but now they say don't get under the beds-that's a no-no now. Because if you are under the bed and something falls next to it, you could be pinned from getting out. Stay away from fireplaces and chandeliers. Securing water heaters with heavy metal straps should be #1 on our homework list in order to prevent gas leaks and fires during earthquakes. Bookcases should also be secured to walls with brackets.
If you are outside stay outside find an open area out from under power lines, away from trees and buildings. If you're at the store squat down and put your head under the basket. Or turn the basket sideways and crawl in. If you have a baby or young child put them in first and then stick your head in.
Stores like Bed Bath Beyond, Costco etc are stocked to Ceiling. Wouldn't want to be in that store when the earth starts moving.
If you are outside stay outside find an open area out from under power lines, away from trees and buildings. If you're at the store squat down and put your head under the basket. Or turn the basket sideways and crawl in. If you have a baby or young child put them in first and then stick your head in.
Stores like Bed Bath Beyond, Costco etc are stocked to Ceiling. Wouldn't want to be in that store when the earth starts moving.
If you are driving you may not know you're in an earthquake right away. Things will happen in slow motion. You should pull off to the side of road and stay in your car. Check for wires up above and make sure you are not underneath a possible falling power line.
Freeways will become parking lots. Authorities have asked that you do not abandon your vehicle on a main Road, especially on the freeway. Be patient UDOT will get the cars moving. You may have to wait for hours but eventually they will want you to be there to move your car.
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It's always important to have an emergency kit in your car. Some of the most important items include flashlight(s)-crank style or battery operated. An umbrella, shovel (snow shovel in utah). Blankets-emergency, wool, flannel, mylar. And most importantly, water. You should always keep comfortable walking shoes in the vehicle as well. Whistles are an imperative item. If you are always carrying one, you can more easily alert rescue crews to your location. Ladies- keep a whistle in your purse. Men in your briefcase or wallet. Keep whistles everywhere. They can even be tied to zipper pulls on school backpacks. You can wrap things in mylar to stabilize temperatures such as the water in your cars.
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Include the basics in your kit and then add your personal items. Ie: Sanitary items for women and girls, etc. Cell phones don't usually work during an emergency. However texting may work.
Do not store emergency kits in the basement. They should be on the main level or in the garage easy to grab and go. Kids can have kits in bedrooms under beds w/ handle sticking out .
Keep track of kit expirations on a Calendar ie: batteries, food, etc, so that you remember to regularly update consumable items.
Kids Kits should grow with them. Be sure to update toys and reading items to reflect their current interests.
I'm sure there are many more tips and ideas included on the website in the following handouts:
Your Guide to Personal and Family Preparedness
Emergency Plan
72 Hour Kit Checklist
Car Survival Kit
Childrens Activity Book
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors
FEMA Guide for Citizens Preparedness
Emergency Porta-Potty Kit
Animal 72 hour kit
Animal First Aid Kit
For more information, links and flyers please visit:
http://beready.utah.gov
