April 2023
www.sjc.utah.gov
Focus A Monthly Newsletter for South Jordan Residents
Earthquake Preparedness Month - “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in Utah. As part of the observance, millions of Utahns will participate on April 20, 2023, in an earthquake drill called “The Great Utah Shakeout.” Earthquakes in Utah may be inevitable, but catastrophic damage is not. The steps you take before, during, and after an earthquake will help you be safer and reduce injuries, damage, and losses.
caught outdoors. Instead, some people may attempt to run to safety but will only make it a few steps before falling. Others may stand in place, trying to keep their balance and avoid falling to the ground.
Often, only some people will notice when the shaking begins if an earthquake occurs during the day. For many people, it may feel as if a large semitruck is passing by. People in cars or near busy roads may not notice the initial tremors. As the shaking becomes more prominent, its jitteriness may catch the attention of people not in a car. During an earthquake, people forget their elementary training of drop, cover, and hold on, especially people
Intense shaking usually begins within the first minute, causing bookshelves, desks, and other pieces of heavy furniture to move back and forth, and anything not anchored may fall. People in office buildings may notice light fixtures and other objects swaying from side to side. Statistically, only a small percentage of people protect themselves from falling ceiling tiles, pictures, filing cabinets, and other furniture by getting under tables or chairs. Within the first two minutes of the earthquake, people caught outside may notice the ground moving like an ocean wave. Everyone inside may feel like they are on a ship rolling out at sea.
DO
DON’T
• DROP, COVER, HOLD ON
• GO INTO A DOORWAY
• COVER NECK AND HEAD
• RUN OR PANIC
• MOVE AWAY FROM WINDOWS, HANGING OBJECTS, AND UNSECURED FURNITURE
• STOP VEHICLE UNDER BRIDGES, OVERPASSES, OR OVERHEAD WIRES
• STOP DRIVING AND STAY IN VEHICLE UNTIL SHAKING STOPS
• TURN OFF NATURAL GAS EXCEPT IF THERE IS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR A GAS LEAK