From Deseret News archives:
Preparing for the big one
But shoring up all of the vulnerable buildings seems as daunting as trying to eat an elephant. It must, as the old saying goes, be done one bite at a time.
This week, a huge bite was swallowed when the state Capitol was repositioned successfully over a series of base isolators, which should act as shock absorbers that protect the building from anything up to 7.3 on the Richter scale. We hesitate to join Minority Leader Ralph Becker, who said, "We have the comfort of knowing we can't lose this building." That sounds a bit too much like experts pronouncing the Titanic unsinkable. But it is some comfort to know Utah's leaders have spent the money necessary to make the Capitol a signature building and a state treasure as safe as current technology allows.
The Capitol's renewal ought to be an opportunity for all people along the Wasatch Front to take stock of their own preparedness, as well. Here are some questions to consider: Have you anchored water heaters, book cases and other large objects that may tumble and cause harm? Do you have a survival kit that is refreshed and ready for use? Do all family members understand how they are to meet and account for each other if a quake hits while they are separated at school, work and other places?
People don't like to dwell on such unpleasant things, of course. But state lawmakers wisely felt it was worth $200 million to shore up the Capitol, just in case. It wouldn't hurt to shore up your own planning, as well.
Comments
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Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
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"and alternatively, questions will be asked about someones sexual persuasion...
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ALF and Peta are disgusting slugs.
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yeah but zero big game win. Utah fans will be sad after Maxi leaves. ...


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