POLITICS + GOVERNMENT
SLC Mayor issues third emergency declaration
Mar 18, 2020, 5:09 PM
The Salt Lake City and County government building. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has issued a third emergency proclamation declaring a local emergency.
It follows a 5.7 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning that was centered four kilometers north-northeast of Magna.
By making the declaration, Mayor Mendenhall can exercise emergency powers that can help Salt Lake City residents.
“Signing this declaration will help to ensure that Salt Lake City is able to access both state and federal funding that we might need in the wake of today’s earthquakes,” Mendenhall said.
The declaration also authorizes the City to ask for all assistance that is available to it from federal, state and local sources.
Second proclamation
Mendenhall declared a state of emergency for Salt Lake City on March 11, to prepare for a potential spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
At that time there were no known cases of COVID-19 in Salt Lake City. The declaration was a pre-emptive move, the mayor said, to ensure financial stability and that vital operations would continue should the city see an increase in the spread of the virus.
This first state of emergency issued regarding COVID-19 was, essentially, to assure funding.
Mendenhall’s second declaration of local emergency also involved COVID-19. Made on March 12, this second proclamation limited mass gatherings to no more than 100 people. It was made in response to a request by federal and state officials to limit gatherings of people.
Earthquake preparedness
Utah is “Earthquake Country,” meaning the state is susceptible to earthquakes, especially along the Wasatch Front. It’s important to prepare yourself and your family for an earthquake. Here are some basic tips on earthquake preparedness:
Before an Earthquake
- Move or secure objects that could fall and hurt you
- Identify your building’s potential weaknesses and begin to fix them
- Create a disaster-preparedness plan and have disaster supply kits ready
During an Earthquake
- Seek cover under sturdy furniture or doorways. As things move, hold on, and move with it.
- Move away from windows and objects that could fall
- Move against a wall in the interior of the building, cover and protect yourself
