SECTION B: DISASTER AWARENESS For the purposes of this brochure, disasters are separated into three categories: 1) Natural Disasters, 2) Technological Disasters, and 3) Civil Disasters. Each category of disasters presents its own challenges. Our community will most likely encounter problems relating to natural disasters, particularly flooding because of the low elevation of the community in relation to the rest of the county. However, technological disasters should not be underestimated because 1-15 and the railroad routes in the community present potential problems for hazardous materials incidents. Also, although a civil disaster is unlikely, the community's proximity to local military installations, major public infrastructure, and populated areas can become potential targets for terrorism or bomb threats. Emergency preparedness for any disaster requires planning considerations, preparation, and response. The following is a general checklist to help before, during, and after a disaster strikes. Planning Considerations: □ Identify potential disasters (such as those in this brochure) □ Discuss with your family what to do in case of each type of disaster. □ Know how, where and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. □ Obtain first-aid training. □ Create a Family Emergency Plan and practice a family drill at least once a year. Preparation: □ Store water and food supply. □ Organize first-aid supplies □ Create and store a 72-hour portable emergency kit. □ Secure appliances, such as water heaters, with straps and bolts. □ Update your emergency supplies regularly to prevent supplies from becoming outdated. Response during and after a disaster: 1. STAY CALM. 2. Recognize the type of disaster or emergency occurring and know the proper response. 3. Take safety precautions in response to a disaster. 4. Check for injuries (provide any first-aid necessary). 5. Check for safety (gas, electric, water, sewage breaks, and hazardous material spills). Beware of downed electric lines; turn off interrupted utilities as necessary; check for structural building damage and potential safety problems such as cracks around chimney and foundations; check for fires hazards. Do not use matches or open flames in the home until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Do not turn light switches off or on because a spark may be created by the switch that could ignite any gas fumes present. 6. Wear laced or sturdy-type shoes, not sandals, to protect feet from broken glass and debris. 7. Tune radio to an emergency station and listen for instructions from public safety agencies. Be prepared to find a shelter or evacuate if instructed. 8. Use the telephone only for emergencies. 9. Follow your family plan by going to your family rally point, or check-in with your family contact for information. 10. In public buildings, follow evacuation procedures immediately and return only after the building has been declared safe by the appropriate authorities. 11. Report damages or needs to the Neighborhood Coordinator, or designee. NATURAL DISASTERS No place on earth is disaster proof. North America faces the potential for many disasters each year. Geography and climate often determine where such events occur, and the extent of the damage. Many natural disasters are the result of other disasters such as landslide during an earthquake, or flooding after a severe rain storm. This part is designed to provide information on preparing for these events. Whether it be a flood, earthquake, or severe storm, preparation is the same in many respects. Please realize that not every natural disaster is covered in this brochure; only certain types that may be relevant to our community have been selected for discussion. For a more complete list of natural disasters and preparation, consider researching on-line resources. Earthquakes The most serious natural disaster threat with the greatest potential for catastrophic damage and injury is an earthquake on the Wasatch Fault. This fault is active and potentially devastating as it is capable of causing a quake as large as 7.5 - 7.7 on the Richter Scale (USGS, 1976). Weber County has experienced eight earthquakes since 1962, all relatively small quakes. Realize that even a moderate quake could create substantial damage. In relation to our community, a soil analysis indicates that an earthquake of a magnitude of 4.0 or greater will generally induce slope failures (sliding). Liquefaction is even a greater risk in this area. Liquefaction is a phenomenon in where strength and stiffness of the soil is reduced by the earthquake(s) shaking of the ground. Liquefaction, and related phenomena, have been responsible for tremendous amounts of damage in earthquakes around the world. It occurs in saturated soils, that is, soils in which the space between individual particles is completely filled with water. This water exerts a pressure on the soil particles that influences how tightly the particles themselves are pressed together. Prior to an earthquake, the water pressure is relatively low. However, earthquake shaking can cause the water pressure to increase to the point where the soil particles can readily move with respect to each other. Because of the extremely high water table in this community, the damage from liquefaction may be potentially catastrophic. By being aware of potential earthquake hazards, such as masonry structures, you can take measure to mitigate damage. Some mitigation measures include such things as securing appliances such as water heaters with straps, and knowing how to shut off utilities, especially gas lines. 14 15