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I n early 2019 a series of minor earthquakes near the south end of Salt Lake County
caused many people to wonder if the residence in Salt Lake County and surrounding areas
should be concerned about the impending “big one” that has been predicted in this region
for quite some time. This Disaster Preparedness Plan will take a look into the science of a
potential earthquake hitting the Salt Lake County area and more specifically the potential
primary and secondary effects on the residence of this neighborhood area. It will look at
the geography of the area in which we reside and how that will impact those in this area
as well. It will also examine the potential magnitude of such and event and look back at
the frequency and cycles of earthquakes in the area to give a better indication of the
potential for this type of event to occur. We will also look at ways to mitigate and prevent
loss from occurring in the geographic are of this neighborhood.
Science of the Hazard
The secondary effects from this type of large earthquake would also be considerable. Roads would most likely
be damaged which would make travel very difficult and/or impossible. Finding shelter for those families
displaced due to the loss of their homes would also be a concern. Due to the substantial losses that are
likely to occur there is a good chance that the utilities will be out for a significant period of time. The
financial impact this kind of earthquake could have on individual families is also significant, due to damages
to homes and other assets, as well as personal property.
Mitigation efforts when it comes to earthquakes can be tricky. Much of the mitigation efforts for homes and
businesses should have been done during the zoning and building phases. During the zoning phases for
neighborhoods, land-use planning is critically important in mitigating damage to homes and other
structures. Through community master plans, zoning ordinances, and geologic-hazards ordinances are
supposed to define hazard areas. They require the developers to show that these hazards have been
investigated and that any buildings or homes will not be at risk. Since all of the homes in the geographic
area of this neighborhood were built within the past 20 years they shouldn’t require any type of retrofitting
to make sure they are earthquake safe. Some homeowners may still choose to have their homes inspected to
see if there is anything there are any concerns or issues that should be addressed.
Another type of loss that we can help mitigate is the loss of life. It is important for people to be educated
about earthquake safety. The more we know and understand about earthquakes the better prepared we can
be in the event that and earthquake occurs. Have things like food storage, extra water, and other supplies on
hand is important in the case of a large earthquake which has the potential to affect utilities such as water,
gas, and electricity. Understanding these risks and preparing ways to overcome the challenges they present
will allow us to better survive this type of hazard. It is recommended that families should have enough to
sustain themselves for several weeks if necessary until relief efforts from groups like the American Red Cross
arrive. Another thing that can help in the mitigation of loss of life is if people are trained in basic first aid
skills and can help care for those that may become injured in an earthquake. Being able to provide some
type of care until emergency medical professionals can respond is important. Taking a basic first aid class
and CPR course could potentially save someone’s life in this type of event.
In the end it all comes down to preparation and understanding that we live in an area that has the potential
to be affected by a significant earthquake and that we need to prepare ourselves, our families, and our
homes in the event that such a hazard were to occur. Things done by the state such as the “Great Shake
Out” drills is another way to help prepare yourself and family for such an event. Also, reading publications
like, “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country” which is produced by the Utah Seismic Safety
Commission, can have very big impact on preparing your family and loved ones for the “big one.”
References
Eldridge, Sandra N. and Christenson, Gary E. 2008. Earthquakes.
Utah Natural Hazards Handbook. Pg. 3– 15.
Castleton, Jessica J., Elliott, Ashley S., and McDonald, Greg N. 2014. Geologic Hazards
Of the Copperton Quadrangle, Salt Lake County, Utah,
https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/special_studies/ss-152/ss-152.pdf
Solomon, Barry J.; Storey, Niel; Wong, Ivan; Silva, Walter; Gregor, Nick; Wright, Douglas;
and McDonald, Greg; 2004. Earthquake-Hazards Scenario for a M7 Earthquake on the Salt Lake
City Segment of the Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah. https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/special_studies/ss-111.pdf
UGS—Gary Christenson, Christopher DuRoss, Sandra Eldredge, Michael Hylland; UDHS—Robert Carey; UUSS—Walter Arabasz,
Kristine Pankow; SEAU— Barry Welliver. Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook for Earthquakes in Utah. Utah
Seismic Safety Commission, 2008. Salt Lake City, Utah. Printed by Utah Geologic Survey, 2008.