If there could be such a thing as a positive aspect to a tragedy like the earthquake that hit San Francisco, it would be the awareness that is instilled in survivors and those lucky enough to be elsewhere.
"It takes happenings like these to jolt people into action," said Walter Arabasz, professor at the geology and geophysics department at the University of Utah.Arabasz said the San Francisco earthquake Oct. 17, which registered 7.1 on the Richter scale, was about the same intensity as the earthquake that hit Armenia last year. The remarkably small comparative damage was due to San Francisco's long decades of investment and preparation.
"Armenia had 100 times the number of deaths that San Francisco had," he said.
Arabasz said if a 7.1 earthquake hit Utah, the damage would be somewhere between that of San Francisco and Armenia. This is due to the large number of buildings in the state not constructed to withstand an earthquake, as well as the many thick deposits of unconsolidated sediments along the Wasatch Front.
Arabasz said a third factor is Utahns' lack of preparation for, and awareness of, earthquakes.
Jim Brown, bureau chief of operations and emergency support at the Utah Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management, said family preparation and education couldgreatly decrease the impact of an earthquake.
All family members should know how to turn off gas appliances, water heaters and electricity, Brown said. Also know where to turn off the water to the house to prevent contamination
In addition, all gas and electrical appliances should be firmly secured to avoid problems of fire.
Brown said it is important to make sure all cupboards have secure fasteners and that heavy objects are restrained.
"People need to remember that it's not so much the earthquake as it is the falling objects that cause injuries," he said.
Fragile or heavy items should not be stored in dangerous places (such as on shelves above a bed) or in high places. "What good are two years worth of peaches in broken bottles on the floor?" said Genevieve Atwood, former state geologist and director of the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey.
For additional planning, officials recommend a 72-hour emergency kit. The kit should include such items as a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, water, water purification tablets, nonperishable food, blankets, clothing and medical supplies.
"In a major earthquake, there's a good chance that you won't receive individual help for three days," Brown said.
He said that when an earthquake does hit, people inside buildings should head for a doorway or inner hall, away from objects and windows. People outdoors should seek an open area, away from buildings. Brown said that as a rule people in cars should bring the car to a stop and remain inside.
"San Francisco was the exception to the rule," he said.
Although preparation won't solve all of Utah's earthquake problems, Brown said taking precautions can minimize injury and panic.