The events of March 18, 2020, marked a critical juncture for our community, witnessing both a national pandemic's onset and a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. While the quake caused considerable damage, thankfully, there were no fatalities and only minor injuries. This incident prompted a vital reassessment of our readiness and resilience by both our city and the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD).
In the aftermath, the SLCFD and our community gleaned essential insights into our collective response capabilities, emphasizing the need for proactive preparation. The overwhelming volume of emergency calls following the quake and its aftershocks reinforced the urgency of readiness at all levels. It's crucial that every resident and business takes steps to prepare, recognizing the strength in community cohesion and mutual support.
Approaching April 18, the Great Shakeout event presents an invaluable opportunity for education and awareness regarding earthquake response. I urge each of you to participate actively, fostering a culture of preparedness and collaboration to bolster our city's resilience.
While large-scale events may entail response delays deviating from our norms, rest assured, the SLCFD remains resolute in our commitment to serve our community to the best of our ability. Drawing from past experiences, we collaborate closely with city partners to refine preparedness and response strategies for future emergencies.
In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to every member of our community for your resilience and unwavering support. Together, we stand prepared to confront any challenge ahead.
Sincerely,
Karl Lieb
Emergency Preparedness
The Great Utah Shakeout!
On April 18th at 10:15 AM, Utahans across the state will participate in the Great Utah Shakeout, a crucial event aimed at earthquake preparedness. Living on a major fault line, Utah faces the persistent threat of seismic activity, making readiness paramount for individuals, businesses, and families alike. This annual drill serves as a vital reminder of the importance of being equipped with the knowledge and resources to effectively respond to earthquakes, which could strike at any moment with varying degrees of intensity.
For businesses, the Shakeout underscores the necessity of having comprehensive emergency plans in place, including protocols for evacuation, communication, and post-disaster recovery. Ensuring the safety of employees and customers while safeguarding assets and infrastructure requires proactive measures and regular drills such as this. Likewise, families must prioritize readiness by establishing emergency kits, creating evacuation routes, and educating household members on appropriate actions to take during and after an earthquake. By participating in the Great Utah Shakeout, individuals and communities can strengthen their resilience and minimize the potential impact of seismic events on lives and livelihoods.
For more information and to register for the Great Utah Shakeout, please visit The Great Utah ShakeOut <https://www.shakeout.org/utah/>- Get Ready! And be sure to follow @BeReadySLC!