Earthquake CountryAre we at risk?
What is an Earthquake?
A trembling or shaking caused by the sudden release of energy stored in the rocks below the surface of the earth.
How Long Can an Earthquake Last?
Generally, only seconds. Strong ground shaking during a moderate to large earthquake typically lasts about 10 to 30 seconds.
After shocks can occur from weeks to months
Are We at Risk?
YES!
If an earthquake were to occur on a central part of the Wasatch fault, Utah should expect damage to buildings to exceed $4.5 billion dollars, this may only represent 20% of the total economic loss.
There’s over 200 active faults state wide.
Earthquakes in Utah
Utah gets about 13, 3.0 and greater earthquakes every year
If a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurs along the Wasatch fault would cause considerable damage up to 50 miles from the earthquake
Emergency Preparedness
WATER, one gallon per person per day for 3 days
FOOD, 3 day supply of non-perishable food items
FLASHLIGHTS and BATTERIES
FIRST AID KIT
Small Amounts of Cash
Have Pets? Include a kit for them!
INCLUDE: Feeding bowls, cat or dog food, water, any medications they need.
What Should I Do?
Sound Unreasonable?
If mobility is an issue it’s best to cover yourself (especially your head) with anything that you can find.
A pillow, plastic wastebasket, large book anything to protect yourself
Get away from anything that can fall on you i.e. picture frames, TV's, dressers etc.
Where Should I Go?
Anywhere that is safe from falling objects.
Earthquakes don’t hurt people, it’s the falling objects and buildings that do the real damage.
Make a Plan!
Prior an earthquake, make a plan with your family, loved ones and neighbors about what to do after an earthquake.
Let’s Get Down to Business!
1. Assign Safety Leaders who will be in charge of taking account of who is missing from each family/group
2. Pick a rendezvous point where everyone is suppose to meet each other.
3. At the rendezvous point, take account of everyone and see who is missing.
4. Gather supplies and divvy them out
5. Get in contact with the local authorities
Citations
"Biggest Earthquakes Near Utah Biggest Quakes Recent Quakes Biggest Quakes Nearby Places Phoenix, Arizona, United States Los Angeles, California, United States San Diego, California, United States Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Arizona California Colorado." The Largest Earthquakes in Utah. Web. 25 Sept. 2015. <http://earthquaketrack.com/r/utah/biggest>.
"Exposing the Wasatch Fault -- A Source of Large Earthquakes along the Wasatch Front." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Apr. 2013. Web. 25 Sept. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=237&v=knxT1VoXl24>. 
"UUSS - Questions and Answers about Utah Earthquakes." UUSS - Questions and Answers about Utah Earthquakes. Web. 25 Sept. 2015. < http://www.seis.utah.edu/qfacts/utfaq.shtml#uq6>.
More Citations
http ://www.utah.gov/beready/family/documents/BRUDisasterPreparednessForSeniors.pdf Web. 24 Sept. 2015. <http://www.utah.gov/beready/family/documents/BRUDisasterPreparednessForSeniors.pdf
Even More Citations!
http://www.odpem.org.jm/DisastersDoHappen/TypesofHazardsDisasters/Earthquakes/ProtectYourselfFromanEarthquake/EarthquakeSafetyfortheDisabledtheElderly/tabid/263/Default.aspx "ODPEM: Earthquake Safety for the Disabled & the Elderly." ODPEM: Earthquake Safety for the Disabled & the Elderly. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
"QuakeSmart | FEMA.gov." QuakeSmart | FEMA.gov. 24 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Sept. 2015. <http://www.fema.gov/quakesmart>.