Disasters

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Active Shooter Preparedness

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, often using firearms. These incidents are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. Preparedness, awareness, and training can save lives.

Key Actions:

AVOID starts with your state of mind​

• Pay attention to your surroundings.

• Have an exit plan.    

• Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible. 

• The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.

DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe impossible​

• Keep distance between you and the source.

• Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.

• Turn the lights off.

• Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone.

DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself​

• If you cannot Avoid or Deny  be prepared to defend yourself.

• Be aggressive and committed to your actions.   

• Do not fight fairly. 

• THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

Preparedness Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings and know exit routes.

• Participate in active shooter drills and training programs.

• Report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.

• Have an emergency communication plan for your family or organization.

Stay alert. Think ahead. Be prepared.

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A large earthquake occurs on the central segments of the Wasatch fault on average every 350 years.

This means there is a 25% chance of having a 7.00-7.5 earthquake within the next 100 years.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

• Store a minimum of 72 hours worth of food and water. Organize a 72 hour kit.
• Secure fixtures such as lights, cabinets, bookcases, and top heavy objects to resist moving, coming loose, or falling during the shaking. Place heavy objects on lower shelves and securely fasten shelves to walls.
• Hang heavy pictures and mirrors away from beds. Store bottled goods, glass, vases, china, and other breakables in low or closed cabinets and use non-skid padded matting, hold-fast putty, or Velcro whenever possible.
• Bolt down or provide strong support for water heaters and other appliances.
• Consider earthquake insurance.
• Check the electrical wiring and connections to gas appliances. Defective electrical wiring, leaking gas, or inflexible connections are very dangerous in the event of an earthquake.
• Develop a family plan which addresses what to do if the earthquake occurs while family members are at home, school, or work. This plan should include a possible central meeting location for family members after the earthquake, and an out-of-area contact person so other family members can find out information concerning their loved ones. (It is usually easier to call out of a disaster area then to call into one.)
• Locate master switch and shut-off valves for all utilities. Teach all responsible family members how to turn them off.

What to do during an Earthquake

• Stay calm. Having a plan will help you remain calm.
• Stay put. Whether inside or out, STAY THERE.
• Take Cover. If indoors, take cover under a desk, table, or bench, stand in a supported doorway, or along an inside wall or corner. Stay away from windows, bookcases, china cabinets, mirrors, and fireplaces until the shaking stops. If no protection is available, drop to the floor and cover your head with your hands. Never try to restrain a pet during the shaking. If outside, stand away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electric lines. If in an office building, stay next to a pillar or support column, or under a heavy table or desk. If in a crowded public place, never run for the door - a lot of people will try to do that.
• If in a car, pull over to the side of the road as quickly as possible and stop. Never stop on top of or underneath a bridge or under power lines. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over. When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake such as fallen objects, downed electrical lines, or broken roadways.
• Do not use elevators. Realize the electricity may go out and alarm and sprinkler systems may turn on.
• If you are trapped in an area: Use a flashlight if you have one - don’t use matches or lighters in case of gas leaks. Try to stay still so you won’t kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a piece of clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear you - shout only as a last resort.

What to do After an Earthquake

• Check for injuries. Provide first aid.
• Check for safety - gas, water, sewage breaks; check for downed electrical lines; turn off interrupted utilities as necessary; check for building damage and potential safety problems during aftershocks such as cracks around chimney and foundation; check for fires.
• Clean up dangerous spills.
• Wear shoes.
• Tune radio to an emergency station (610 am KVNU) and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
• Report damages or needs to your neighborhood coordinator.
• Do not touch downed power lines or broken appliances.

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Industrial Accidents

Industrial accidents are unplanned events that occur in workplaces such as factories, plants, or construction sites, often involving hazardous materials, machinery, or processes. These incidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, environmental damage, and disruptions to surrounding communities.

Common Causes:

• Equipment failure or malfunction

• Human error or lack of training

• Hazardous material leaks or spills

• Fires, explosions, or structural collapses

Preparedness and Response Tips:

• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and OSHA standards

• Conduct regular inspections and emergency drills

• Maintain clear evacuation routes and shelter-in-place procedures

• Train employees on hazard recognition, use of PPE, and emergency reporting

• Coordinate with local emergency services and hazardous materials teams

Prompt action, clear communication, and proper planning are essential to minimize the impact of industrial accidents.

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Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth, or debris move down a slope. Landslides may be small or large, slow or rapid. They are activated by storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and human modification of land.

Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. They develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground, during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or “slurry.” They can flow rapidly, striking with little or no warning at avalanche speeds. They also can travel several miles from their source, growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders, cars, and other materials.

Landslide problems can be caused by land mismanagement, particularly in mountain, canyon, and coastal regions. Land-use zoning, professional inspections, and proper design can minimize many landslide, mudflow, and debris flow problems.

 

What To Do Before a Landslide or Debris Flow

The following are steps you can take to protect yourself from the effects of a landslide or debris flow:

 

• Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or natural erosion valleys.
• Get a ground assessment of your property.
• Consult an appropriate professional expert for advice on corrective measures.
• Minimize home hazards by having flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid gas or water leaks, as flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage (only the gas company or professionals should install gas fittings).

 

Recognize Landslide Warning Signs

• Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges), land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
• Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.
• New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
• Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
• Underground utility lines break.
• Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
• Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
• The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.
• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
• Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

 

During a Landslide or Debris Flow

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a landslide or debris flow occurs:

 

• Move away from the path of a landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible.
• Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

 

After a Landslide or Debris Flow

The following are guidelines for the period following a landslide:

 

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
• Watch for associated dangers such as broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines and damaged roadways and railways.
• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.
• Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.

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Pet and Animal Preparedness

Emergencies can strike with little warning, and your pets depend on you for their safety. Whether it’s a natural disaster, evacuation, or shelter-in-place order, having a plan for your animals is essential.

Preparedness Tips for Pet Owners:

• Create a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, leashes, ID tags, and medical records.

• Include your pets in your family emergency plan and practice evacuating with them.

• Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family outside the area.

• Keep photos of your pets in case you are separated.

• Microchip your pets and ensure contact info is current.

For Livestock and Large Animals:

• Have a relocation plan and transport equipment ready.

• Maintain identification and ownership records.

• Stockpile feed, water, and medical supplies.

• Know how to safely shelter animals in place or move them quickly.

Being prepared protects not just people, but all members of the family — including those with paws, hooves, or wings.

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Sheltering in Place

Sheltering in place means staying indoors and taking immediate safety measures during an emergency, such as a hazardous materials release, severe weather, or active threat. It helps protect you from dangerous conditions outside.

When to Shelter in Place:

• Chemical spills or airborne hazards

• Radiological emergencies

• Severe weather (e.g., tornadoes, extreme cold)

• Law enforcement activity or active threats nearby

Steps to Take:

• Go indoors immediately; bring pets with you

• Close and lock all windows and doors

• Turn off ventilation systems (HVAC, fans) if advised

• Go to an interior room with few windows

• Monitor official alerts via TV, radio, or mobile device

• Stay inside until authorities say it’s safe to leave

Be Prepared:

• Have an emergency kit with food, water, flashlight, radio, medications, and first aid

• Keep a phone charger and battery backup available

• Know how to seal a room if directed (e.g., with plastic sheeting and tape)

Sheltering in place can save lives — be ready to act quickly and stay informed.

Evacuation

Evacuation is the organized, phased, and safe movement of people away from a threatened area during emergencies such as wildfires, hurricanes, chemical spills, or other hazards. Acting quickly can save lives.

When to Evacuate:

• When ordered by local authorities

• If you feel unsafe or conditions are rapidly worsening

• During mandatory or voluntary evacuation notices

Evacuation Tips:

• Follow official instructions and designated routes

• Leave early to avoid traffic congestion or hazardous conditions

• Take your emergency kit, important documents, and medications

• Secure your home: lock doors, unplug electronics, and shut off utilities if instructed

• Don’t forget pets — bring food, carriers, and supplies for them

Be Prepared:

• Plan multiple evacuation routes in advance

• Keep your vehicle fueled and ready

• Know where you will go: shelter, hotel, or family/friends outside the danger zone

• Practice your plan regularly with all household members

Preparedness and quick action can make evacuation safer and less stressful.

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Severe Winter Storms

Severe winter storms can bring heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and dangerously low temperatures. These conditions can lead to power outages, hazardous travel, and increased health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia. Roads may become impassable, and emergency services can be delayed.

Key Hazards:

• Whiteout conditions from heavy snowfall

• Ice accumulation on power lines and trees

• Disrupted transportation and supply chains

• Cold-related illnesses and injuries

Preparedness Tips:

• Stay informed with local weather alerts

• Keep emergency supplies: food, water, blankets, flashlights, and batteries

• Avoid travel during storms unless absolutely necessary

• Ensure proper heating and ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Stay alert, stay warm, and stay safe during winter weather events.

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