ALL NEWS

Utah earthquake preparation and “The Big One”

Jul 8, 2019, 11:58 AM

Earthquake...

Graphic compiled by Colby Walker | KSL Newsradio

SALT LAKE CITY — We are 100% likely to have a big earthquake in Utah. The only question is when, according to the Utah Emergency Management’s Earthquake Program Manager Bob Carey.

There have been a number of earthquakes this year in the state of Utah, many around the Bluffdale area. But all of those shakes and quakes aren’t blowing off the pressure and lessening the threat of The Big One.

 Jim Pechmann with the University of Utah Seismograph Stations told KSL Newsradio that the idea that a minor shaker reduces the risk is a myth.

“They don’t act as a safety valve.  In fact, they do increase the probability of larger earthquakes, a little bit,” Pechmann said.

One of the biggest issues that Utah has is the age of our buildings and the way that they were built. The issue, according to Bob Carey, is that many of the buildings in Utah are unreinforced masonry, which is “basically anything made of brick or block that was built prior to 1975.”

“We have a substantial amount of these structures, not only in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County but across the state… you’re looking at in the greater metropolitan area around 140,000 plus structures like this,” Carey said.

Carey also warns that it’s not just the Salt Lake Valley that should be worried. There are also pockets of old unreinforced buildings outside the Salt Lake Valley that can be found in towns like Provo and Ogden as well.

What to do if there is an earthquake

Drop. Cover. Hold On.

That’s the consensus from experts and specialists in emergency preparedness for what to do in case of an earthquake.

Most of the danger that comes during an earthquake isn’t getting swallowed up by a big split in the ground or having a building fall on top of you, experts say.

“A collapse is a rare event. Most [earthquake-related] casualties (injuries) come from the non-structural elements of a building like façades, lighting fixtures or signage,” Carey said.

Much of the old conventional wisdom with what to do during an earthquake like run outside or stand in a doorway, isn’t actually the safest thing to do.

Joe Dougherty, a spokesman with the Utah Division of Emergency Management, says that sometimes, your bed might be the safest place to be.

“If you’re in bed, stay in bed,” he said. “That’s one of the safest places for you. Cover yourself with your pillow, your blankets, just to make sure your head and neck are covered.”

After everything is done shaking, Dougherty said you should get up and reevaluate your situation: make sure that you’re OK and be aware of any heavy shelving or picture frames, any decorations that could fall and injure you.

You can find more information about what to do during an earthquake at The Great Utah Shakeout and Ready.gov.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Utah earthquake preparation and “The Big One”