Disaster Drill- August 6, 2010

Guest blogger: Eric Kiltz

On Aug 5th and 6th, 2010, volunteers from the Greater Salt Lake Area and Mountain Valley chapters of the American Red Cross were on the scene of a mock earthquake drill in Sandy, UT. The drill was sponsored by Metro Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team with all of Metro Fire’s member agencies participating.

Assisting Metro Fire were members of the US Army and Air Force providing communications support, search and rescue assistance and hazardous materials detection. Also assisting was Sandy City Public Works department which was kind enough to refuel two American Red Cross ERV’s at no cost. The American Red Cross was on scene in a support capacity to provide food and snacks to rescuers. Approximately 120 personal were on site for this drill.


This drill simulated a 7.4 magnitude earthquake striking the Salt Lake Valley with significant damage to a community center in Sandy with many victims trapped. During this exercise, the American Red Cross served lunch and dinner on both days. The Southern Baptist Convention graciously provided and cooked two of the meals that the American Red Cross then served to rescuers.


The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as this and on smaller and larger scales every day of the year. Our volunteer disaster relief workers are always available and willing to help out displaced victims with food, shelter and clothing.

Check out the awesome photos that Eric took at the drill! They are up on our Flickr site.