Preparing for the big one

A few years ago, the head of University of Utah's engineering department compared the Salt Lake Valley to San Francisco just prior to the earthquake of 1906. So many buildings here remain unreinforced, their bricks or masonry ready to collapse in a heap when the ground begins to shake.

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.

Years ago, the City-County Building in downtown Salt Lake City underwent a similar renovation. Other key buildings have been seismically upgraded one at a time. No one knows when the "big one" will hit. Experts predict it happens about once every 1,300 years and that we're approaching that limit now. Extensive damage would occur no matter when it comes, but it is prudent to use public funds to protect buildings that symbolize government, stability and civilization — things that would give comfort to people struggling to rebuild their lives.

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.