Below are some resources I found on the web
with regard to this subject.
Earthquakes occur all around the world with
much more frequency than many people
realize. Most earthquakes simply go
undetected or are small enough not to cause
damage. However, strong earthquakes
measuring at 6.0 or higher on the Richter
scale have happened at least 1500 times
around the world in 2006 (1).
(1) Source: Infoplease.com
Being prepared for such an event is now one
of the more important priorities in disaster
preparedness because of the potential
devastation and the more recent discoveries of
faults throughout the US.
A study, published in the Journal of Geophy-
sical Research, estimates a 30 percent
probability of a magnitude 7 or larger earth-
quake in the Wasatch Front region in 100
years. Using an alternative calculation consid-
ering new fault trenching results by the Utah
Geological Survey, the study estimates a
probability of such an earthquake on the
Wasatch fault in Salt Lake City alone may be
as high as 57 percent in 100 years.
Continued below ...
Damaged Building due to Earthquake
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FEMA - Their website on the subject of
Earthquakes
READY.GOV - Their website on the subject of
Earthquakes
USGS - One of the best websites for near real
time information on earthquakes.
Wikipedia - Search the Wikipedia on-line free
encyclopedia for earthquake information.
By: Staff
Last Reviewed: July 25, 2008
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One Moment Please
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National Geographic Earthquake Video
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During an Earthquake
- If you're indoors, stay there. Get under
-- and hold onto --a desk or table, or
stand against an interior wall. Stay clear
of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture,
fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen
is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re
in an office building, stay away from
windows and outside walls and do not
use the elevator.
- If you're outside, get into the open. Stay
clear of buildings, power lines or
anything else that could fall on you.
- If you're driving, move the car out of
traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or
on bridges or overpasses. Try to get
clear of trees, light posts, signs and
power lines. When you resume driving,
watch out for road hazards.
- If you're in a mountainous area, beware
of the potential for landslides. Likewise,
if you're near the ocean, be aware that
tsunamis are associated with large
earthquakes. Get to high ground.
- If you’re in a crowded public place, avoid
panicking and do not rush for the exit.
Stay low and cover your head and neck
with your hands and arms.
After an Earthquake
- Check for fire or fire hazards. If you
smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If
there's evidence of damage to electrical
wiring, shut off the power at the control
box.
- If the phone is working, only use it in
case of emergency. Likewise, avoid
driving if possible to keep the streets
clear for emergency vehicles.
- Be aware that items may fall out of
cupboards or closets when the door is
opened, and also that chimneys can be
weakened and fall with a touch. Check
for cracks and damage to the roof and
foundation of your home.
- Listen to the radio (such as KSL (1160
AM or 102.7 FM) or KBYU (89.1 FM))
for important information and
instructions. Remember that
aftershocks, sometimes large enough to
cause damage in their own right,
generally follow large quakes.
- If you leave home, leave a message
telling friends and family your location.
"(2)
(2) Source: The State of California


"Helping everyone prepare for the unexpected"
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Brigham Young University - This link is
published by the BYU department of Geology
and has information about the Wasatch Fault.
Utah Geological Survey - 1996 - This link takes
you to a PDF Document published by the Utah
Geological Survey which outlines, describes
and quatifies the Wasatch fault.
Utah Geological Survey - This link takes you
the Utah Geological Survey Website which
outlines probabilities of an event along the
Wasatch front- 25 percent in 50 years!

Below is some very good information from The
State of California, Department of
Conservation: Earthquakes. This information
(in italics) was gathered on March 23, 2007.
For the latest information on this subject,
please visit the source at this link.
"Be Prepared: Before, During and After an
Earthquake.
Do you know how to prepare for and survive a
major earthquake? According to Department
of Conservation scientists, it will be critical to
have the right answer to that question
somewhere in California sometime in the
coming years.
Many people think having bottled water on
hand is a good idea. That’s true, as long as
you have enough. Many are certain that
standing in a doorway during the shaking is a
good idea. Thats false, unless you live in an
unreinforced abode structure; otherwise,
you're more likely to be hurt by the door
swinging wildly in a doorway or trampled by
people trying to hurry outside if you’re in a
public place.
How to be Prepared
- Electricity, water, gas and telephones
may not be working after an
earthquake. The police and fire
departments are likely to be tied up. You
should be prepared to fend for yourself
for at least three days, preferably for a
week.
- You'll need food and water (a gallon a
day per person); (see 72 hour kit)a first
aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all
types of fires; flashlights; a portable
radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes,
shoes and money (ATMs may not work);
medication; an adjustable or pipe
wrench to turn off gas or water, if
necessary; baby and pet food; and an
alternate cooking source (barbecue or
camp stove). This list can also be
applied to other disasters, such as
floods or wildfires.
- It’s also a good idea to decide
beforehand how and where your family
will reunite if separated during a quake
and to conduct in-home practice drills.
You might choose an out-of-the-area
friend or relative that family members
can call to check on you.
- Securing water heaters, major
appliances and tall, heavy furniture to
prevent them from toppling are prudent
steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or
flammable liquids, heavy objects and
breakables on low shelves or in secure
cabinets.
- Discuss earthquake insurance with your
agent. Depending on your financial
situation and the value of your home, it
may be worthwhile.
Continued on next column


