For City, emergency preparedness is key in saving costs and lives
Every day, Dave Ulibarri is thinking about the worst case scenario. It’s part of his responsibilities as Eagle Mountain City’s Emergency Management department.
The City prioritizes emergency preparedness to help ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
“When considering emergency planning for the city,” says Ulibarri. “I try to look from a 30,000 ft perspective. Aiming to look at all potential scenarios regardless of frequency.”
Working proactively to plan for potential disasters and emergency situations, the City coordinates with key partners and implements response strategies that support the safety of residents.
Emergency management in Eagle Mountain is a collaborative effort involving the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, the Unified Fire Authority, and various local, county, and state agencies. Each organization plays a role in preparing for and responding to emergencies, from natural disasters to public health incidents.
“Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy,” says Ulibarri.
The goal is to minimize the impact of disasters by ensuring that resources and personnel are ready to respond when needed. To do this, the emergency management team actively engages with the community by hosting educational trainings throughout the year.
Eagle Mountain City provides residents with opportunities to earn Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Ham Radio certifications, equipping them with essential skills to assist in disaster response. The City offers organizational support and structure for trained volunteers, ensuring they can be effectively mobilized in times of need.
The City has also established seven geographical teams that can be activated during emergencies to augment response capabilities, helping to bridge gaps in disaster response and recovery efforts.
A unique aspect of Eagle Mountain’s emergency management program is its Teen CERT semester-long internship, offered in partnership with Cedar Valley High School and Westlake High School. Now in its third year, this program is the only comprehensive Teen CERT internship of its kind in Utah.
Students participate in hands-on training at City Hall during the last period of their school day, gaining real-world experience in emergency management
These sessions are designed to help residents, businesses and community organizations better understand emergency preparedness and response strategies. Topics covered include wildfire prevention, earthquake safety, first aid basics, and how to create an emergency plan for families and workplaces.
“Studies show every $1 spent on hazard mitigation and preparedness can save $6 in future disaster costs,” says Ulibarri.
The City also collaborates with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and Unified Fire Authority to ensure that training materials reflect best practices and align with regional emergency response plans.
Eagle Mountain’s emergency preparedness efforts include developing response plans for a range of situations, such as wildfires, severe weather, earthquakes, and other potential hazards. The City also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and encourages residents to take steps to prepare their households for emergencies.
One key aspect of preparedness is communication. During emergencies, the City uses various channels—including its website, social media, and emergency notification systems—to provide timely updates to residents. These notifications may include road closures, traffic pattern changes, and key information about wildfires or other emergency situations.
Residents are encouraged to take an active role in emergency preparedness. Resources such as emergency kits, family communication plans, and participation in preparedness training can help individuals and families respond effectively in an emergency.
“I have been a resident of EM for over 18 years and raised my family here,” Ulibarri says. “ I am 100% committed to and invested in this community and its resilience.”
More information about emergency preparedness and response efforts can be found on the Eagle Mountain City website.