A lot of people forget that here in the Salt Lake Valley we live on a fault line in earthquake territory, we could experience a 7.0 magnitude earthquake at anytime. To help our community as a whole be more prepared for such an event, we are participating in the Great Salt Lake Shakeout Earthquake drill next Tuesday April 17th.
To participate in the earthquake drill the Red Cross is opening up shelters, visit a Red Cross shelter during the drill to teach your family all about emergencies and preparedness.
It's a great opportunity to show your kids what it would be like if
disaster struck and you had to evacuate your home with only the clothes on your back. Teach your kids the importance of being prepared and to be aware of possible disasters.
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.
