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.
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
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.
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
• COVER NECK AND HEAD
• MOVE AWAY FROM WINDOWS, HANGING OBJECTS, AND UNSECURED FURNITURE
• STOP DRIVING AND STAY IN VEHICLE UNTIL SHAKING STOPS
• GO INTO A DOORWAY
• RUN OR PANIC
• STOP VEHICLE UNDER BRIDGES, OVERPASSES, OR OVERHEAD WIRES
• TURN OFF NATURAL GAS EXCEPT IF THERE IS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR A GAS LEAK
Parked cars may rock, and hanging objects will continue to sway slightly. Windows, dishes, and doors may rattle, and buildings with wooden walls and frames may creak during the event.
Widespread power outages may make daytime visibility inside large buildings difficult. If the earthquake strikes at night, fallen objects littering the floor may cause people to trip and injure themselves as they try to escape in the dark. In some homes and buildings, heavy pieces of furniture, such as entertainment centers or dressers, may tip over, blocking exits or trapping people under them.
After the shaking, people may wander around, uncertain how to respond to the event. Some may gather belongings and search around the fallen debris, trying to make sense of what happened. People with access to a phone may try to call or text their loved ones to verify their safety. A sense of dread may overcome individuals who cannot contact their family and friends. Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Collapsing walls, roofs, flying glass, and falling objects cause most earthquake-related injuries and death. Move as little as possible to reach a safe place. Most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.
The essential part of any hazard emergency plan is learning and practicing protective actions. Remember, the first three actions you should take are drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on to whatever you are using to protect yourself. Following these three actions can dramatically reduce injury and death during earthquakes. To learn more about emergency preparedness tips and details about the Great Utah Shakeout, please visit www.shakeout.org/utah/ or beready.utah.gov.
Don’t drink and drive!
According to the CDC, every day 29 people in the United States die in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Always use a designated driver or a rideshare company.
South Jordan City 2023 Notice of Election
Election Notice – City of South Jordan 2023 Municipal General Election
Pursuant to Utah Code 10-3-301, The City of South Jordan hereby gives notice the following municipal offices will be voted on in the 2023 Municipal Election:
• Council Member District 1 (4-year term)
• Council Member District 2 (4-year term)
• Council Member District 4 (4-year term)
Terms are expiring for the South Jordan Council Members District 1, District 2, and District 4, each of which is a 4 year term.
A person seeking to become a candidate for municipal office shall file a declaration of candidacy, in person with the South Jordan City Recorder at South Jordan City Hall 1600 W. Towne Center Drive, South Jordan UT during the office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and not later than the close of those office hours, between June 1 and June 7, 2023 (excluding Saturday and Sunday). An individual who cannot appear in person may declare candidacy by following the provisions of Utah Code § 20A-9203.
Pursuant to Utah Code 20A-9-203 and South Jordan Municipal Code, §§ 1.12 and 2.20.010 qualifications for a municipal candidate are as follows:
• Must be a registered voter in the municipality in which the individual is elected.
• Must have resided within the municipality for which the candidate is seeking office for 12 consecutive months immediately before the date of the election.
• If the individual resides in a territory which was annexed into the municipality the 12 consecutive months immediately before the date of the election.
• May not be convicted of a felony.
Primary Election: August 15, 2023
General Election: November 7, 2023
Please contact the Recorder’s Office at 801-446HELP(4357) with any questions.
until Apr 27
