Great Utah ShakeOut aims to boost emergency preparedness
Eagle Mountain Gears Up for Annual ShakeOut Drill to Boost Earthquake Preparedness.
Eagle Mountain City is ramping up efforts for this year’s ShakeOut earthquake drill, a key initiative aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness among city employees and residents alike. Set for Thursday April 17, the event is expected to see participation from city staff members, with local officials urging families to get involved in meaningful ways.
“The goal is to get families to participate in emergency preparedness in one way or another,” explained Emergency Manger Dave Ulibarri. “We want to help residents understand what to do during a potential earthquake.”
Residents are encouraged to register for the ShakeOut at beready.utah.gov, where they can access a wealth of preparedness resources, including interactive audio guides, checklists, and educational materials.
Why This Matters
Utah is no stranger to seismic activity. The 2022 Magna earthquake served as a stark reminder of the risks.
“Ninety percent of Utah’s population lives in active earthquake zones, making preparedness crucial,” Ulibarri noted.
The drills are designed not only to test city systems but also to encourage families to tailor their own preparedness activities.
“This drill is about more than just earthquakes; it’s about overall emergency readiness and ensuring our community can respond effectively in any crisis,” said Ulibarri.
Suggested Family Activities for the ShakeOut:
- Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On techniques
- Review and update 72-hour emergency kits
- Identify home utility shut-off points
- Check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
- Discuss and refine a family emergency plan
- Establish an out-of-state emergency contact
- Prepare emergency kits for pets
For residents seeking a deeper dive into emergency readiness, the city recommends enrolling in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training or participating in preparedness workshops offered by local agencies.
Learn more about emergency preparedness on the Emergency Management page.