January's Mapleton Ready class focused on preparing for the BIG ONE, the major earthquake that we are overdue for in Utah. Here are a few highlights from the class:
- Over the past 6000 years, there have been 19 major earthquakes large enough to rupture the ground surface along the Wasatch Front.
- That averages out to a major quake every 350 years, some areas having longer intervals, others shorter.
- Hundreds of small quakes occur every year in Utah.
- Moderate, potentially damaging quakes (5.5 - 6.5) occur on average every 10 - 50 years in Utah. See what's happening currently at http://www.seis.utah.edu/
- It has been over 600 years since Utah experienced a major quake. We are overdue!
What is the Geographic Information System (GIS)? http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis/index.html
See the hazards in your neighborhood. http://gis.utah.gov/
Following are download links for Dr. McBrides PowerPoint Presentation and a PDF
of the Utah Earthquake guide. Also a link to the Dateline earthquake program on
iTunes.
Download Dr McBrides Presentation here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/72125334/Earthquake-2014.pptx
Download PDF of Utah Earthquake Guide here (53.49 mb): http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake.pdf
Link to "On Borrowed Time: The Great American Earthquake" on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/on-borrowed-time-great-american/id156472479?i=155853837&uo=4
What can I do to prepare and protect my family for an earthquake?
- Move large objects (mirrors, TVs, bookshelves) from over beds.
- Securely anchor water heaters and appliances to the wall.
- Keep a flashlight next to everybody's bed. (dust & power outages make seeing difficult)
- Keep shoes or slippers next to everybody's bed (the floor will be covered with broken dishes, curios, mirrors & other sharp things that you don't want to step on in the dark).
- Have and review a family evacuation plan, including a safe meeting place.
- Practice "Duck, Cover & Hold On". Don't worry about getting to a door frame. Just get under or next to a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on tight. If it moves, you move with it.
- Remember: following an earthquake, local emergency services will NOT be able to help everyone right away. You will need to provide for yourself and assist your neighbors for several days, or even weeks!
Also, plastic sheeting can be very important in an
emergency to seal off broken windows, doors or even encapsulate a portion of
your home to help keep it warm. Plastic sheeting has been known to go for as
much as $500 per roll or more immediately after a disaster, if it's even
available. Right now you can walk right into most hardware or home improvement
centers and pick it up for $15 to $95 depending on the size of roll.
Jones Paint and Glass (our new Stake President) has once again offered us a special discounted price on heavy duty 4 mil clear plastic sheeting:
12' x 100' (4 mil) . . $34.43
8' x 100' (4 mil) . . $22.95
They have a limited supply but will try and get more to accommodate everyone that is interested. As you know plastic is a byproduct of oil so when gas prices are low, like they are now, plastic too is a bit less. Likewise, when summer rolls around and gas prices increase, so will plastic. Now is a good time to stock up. Though usually not as good of a deal, Home Depot also has plastic sheeting in case Jones runs out.
To order call Jones Paint manager Justin Clyde at 801-812-5134 to be sure they have it in stock before you go. If they are out of stock you can get your name on a list for the next shipment. Jones Paint and Glass is located in Provo at 170 North 100 West.
To get the discount, which is better than even their best contractor discount, simply let them know you're with Mapleton Ready. A BIG Thanks to David Jones, Mark Butler and Justin Clyde!
