What If...

What if . . . the recent 4.7 earthquake at the border of Utah and Wyoming had been the catastrophic 7.0 quake we have been warned will come near Utah population centers? Would you have known to DROP, COVER and HOLD-ON as soon as the shaking started?  

The steps are simple:  DROP carefully to the floor, crawl to the nearest desk or table for COVER and HOLD- ON to it because shaking can move it, leaving you exposed to falling and air-borne objects.

Have you and your family actually practiced it at home, in various rooms, and at your workplace -- each and every year?  It needs to become an ingrained habit so it will kick- in when the danger starts and stress takes over. 

No exaggeration: This action, if done instantly, could spare you and your loved ones in a high magnitude quake.  Register here as an individual, family or group to support our state Department of Emergency Management. Make the commitment to do the drill.

What if . . . there is nothing at-hand to provide COVER?

Is there a near-by closet?  Crawl to it and get inside for protection.  Exit carefully when the shaking stops, watching for fallen objects and debris.  PREPARATION:  In each usable closet, place a bag with an emergency whistle, bottle of water, flashlight, and work gloves.

 

OR 

Is there an interior wall, away from windows, that is free of wall hangings and heavy objects?  Crawl to it, sit with your back against it, pull your knees in toward your chest, lower your head toward your knees and place your arms and hands protectively over your neck and head.

What If . . . you are in bed when the shaking starts?

  

Stay there.  Turn face down or curl up on your side.  Use pillows and blankets to protect neck, head and spine.  Remain there until the shaking stops.  Important:  Protect your feet before you leave the bed.  PREPARATION:  Under each bed place a bag with sturdy shoes, emergency whistle, flashlight, and sturdy gloves.

  

. . . Outside?

Drop to the ground, crawl away from buildings, utility poles and trees.  Be observant.

. . . Driving?  

Slow down, pull to the side of the road, turn off the car, and set the parking brake. Stay inside until all shaking stops.  DO NOT stop under any kind of overpass.  Turn on car radio for emergency instructions at KSL.  Important:  If possible, move your car off the roadway; emergency vehicles must have passage.  Circumstances will dictate whether you remain with your auto, drive to a safe destination, or abandon it where you have stopped.

Consider that roads may be severely damaged.  Private vehicles may be discouraged or even prohibited.  PREPARATION:  A 96-hour Emergency Kit in your trunk/cargo hold, organized in a backpack you can actually manage.  At some point you will probably abandon your auto and head for home or a safer place.  HIGHLY Recommended:  Include a collapsible cart as part of your auto emergency supplies.

You can find detailed instructions, as well as articles and videos, of these and other scenarios in the library of BeReady.Utah.gov.