Preparing for the big one

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.

Download, print out checklists (PDF format)  » Emergency preparedness  » Things you will need From the archive Garden tips and events – March 2, 2007 If you go to Oahu – Sept. 24, 2006 FBI says Destiny object of fantasies – Aug. 5, 2006 Neighbor charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping in Norton case – July 31, 2006 Disaster preparedness Web sites – June 4, 2006  » Child's bedside backpack  » 72-hour kit  » First aid supplies  » Potential hazards  » After an earthquake Important: You will need Adobe Reader to view and print out the PDF files.

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.

This page offers some how-to information and sources for more details.

Utah awareness

On April 6 the state of Utah began an emergency preparedness campaign titled "Be Ready Utah." It is a partnership between the governor's office and various state emergency-response agencies. To learn more, visit www.bereadyutah.org

Good idea

Keep a pair of sturdy shoes under the bed of each family member to protect feet from broken glass and debris.

When was the last earthquake?

Worldwide: In the last minute, somewhere in the world.

Utah: Within the past 24 hours, somewhere in the state.

The last large earthquake occurred on the Wasatch fault north of Nephi about 400 years ago.

Office emergency kit

A major disaster may require you to be stranded at your place of employment for hours or even days. Prepare a kit of appropriate items, planning for at least 72 hours.

• Include a list of important names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses.

Computer sites with earthquake information

• University of Utah Seismograph Stations: www.seis.utah.edu

• Utah Geological Survey: geology.utah.gov

• Utah Seismic Safety Commission: des.utah.gov/ussc

• FEMA: www.fema.gov

• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

• Utah Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security: des.utah.gov

• LDS Church: www.providentliving.org

• Deseret Morning News: deseretnews.com

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

Their training and roles in disasters

• Disaster preparedness: What is a disaster and how can you prepare for one?