This week, the Deseret Morning News reported the damage that state officials estimate if a 7.0 earthquake hits the Wasatch Front near Salt Lake City. That includes up to 6,200 Utahns dead, 90,000 injured, at least moderate damage to 42 percent of all local buildings and $40 billion in economic losses.

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But local residents can do much to reduce risks that they would face.

Simple steps around the house could make a quake more survivable from securing water heaters and large bookcases to learning what to do when a quake strikes.

Also, officials say those residents with first aid kits, 72-hour emergency kits of emergency food and water and Community Emergency Response Team training will fare better in such an emergency and likely save lives.