Sanpete County is a great place to live, but like every other spot on this planet, it has vulnerabilities. Recognizing the potential hazards and ensuring that we and our families are ready for them is key to our preparedness. Here are some of the things that could happen in our specific area:
FLOOD — Floods can occur in Sanpete County as a result of heavy storms or failure of water storage facilities. Injuries and deaths are most likely to occur from drowning or structure collapse. Major flooding may result in an evacuation order. Citizen response to impending flood warnings should be immediate and according to directions from emergency service personnel.
FIRE — Forest and range fires are common in our area, due to the dry climate, undeveloped land, and hot summer weather. Lightning, careless camping, and even arson have caused tremendous damage and threatened property in our county. It is important to be prepared with a family plan and emergency kits in the event of an evacuation. Fire is also a danger in individual homes. Periodically checking for hazards and having a safety plan can potentially save lives and mitigate property damage.
EARTHQUAKE — Sanpete County is not in a major earthquake zone, however there are earthquake faults surrounding the county. The actual movement or shaking of the earth can last from several seconds to over a minute. As frightening as this is, it is seldom the direct cause of injury or death. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris, splintering glass, and fires. Although construction and other technical steps can be taken to reduce damage in an earthquake, the most important preparations citizens can take relate to steps taken after the earthquake is over.
DROUGHT — Our area is technically a desert, and lack of water is an ongoing concern. Both irrigation and culinary water supplies frequently run low. Contamination of water supplies is also a potential issue. Families should keep a supply of clean water on hand for drinking and washing in an emergency.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ACCIDENT — Highway 89 runs through the heart of Sanpete County. Although we are generally safe, trucks do move up and down the highway carrying toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances. The potential exists for an accident that could result in an emergency incident. Citizen response to this type of emergency may result in an evacuation or shelter-in-place order. The best plan is to move away from the emergency scene and listen for other instructions.
TERRORISTS, GANGS, AND OTHER EXTERNAL FORCE ATTACKS — Although it may seem unlikely that these types of events could happen in Sanpete County, we have seen unrest and violence spreading across the nation in recent times. Having an emergency plan can provide you with vital information regardless of where you are.
HIGH WINDS — Manti City has experienced a tornado and Sanpete County has recorded high winds over 100 miles per hour. Damage and casualties are usually the result of flying debris and glass, falling trees, and electrocution due to downed power lines. Generally citizens are safe in their homes or vehicles, but high winds can result in interruption of vital services such as electricity, gas, or water.
EPIDEMIC OR PANDEMIC — If we thought such things were relics of the past, recent events have given us a rude awakening. As we have seen, an outbreak of serious illness can disrupt every facet of our lives for extended periods of time. It is important to have supplies of food, toiletries, and basic necessities in our homes, and to be prepared for long periods of isolation or quarantine.
OTHER EMERGENCIES — For various reasons we may experience situations where public utilities such as gas, water, and power may be interrupted. Depending on the time of year, these interruptions may or may not be considered an emergency situation. Citizen response to these events should include alternative sources for these utilities and protection from weather conditions, which could make the situation more dangerous. An interruption in trucking could affect deliveries of food to local markets. In this case, having a supply of food and water on hand could prevent a family from going hungry until the service is restored.
“OK, now I’m ready for anything!”
