Safehouses Aid in Disaster Survival

Utah is surrounded by mountains and land, which protect us from many natural occurrences that would damage our homes such as tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis. But those are not the only threats. We can also suffer from fires, electrical storms, flash floods and earthquakes.

According to the United State Fire Administration, the USFA, (www.usfa.dhs.gov), tips that help prevent chemical household fires are “Look for flammable liquids, clean and place containers in a well-ventilated area and keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.”

The tips for electrical safety: Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged, watch out for loose appliance cords, prongs and plugs, all appliances that are emitting smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced. And make sure so have a licensed electrician check your home for damages.

The USFA asks for citizens to remember to be careful when using candles, to instal smoke alarms on every level in every home, to test the alarms every month, and replace batteries at least once a year.

Khristen Massic, drafting teacher, said ,“Using steel frames for your stud walls can prevent fire.”

Electromagnetic storms can be identified “by dark, towering clouds and distant thunder” according to the Think Quest (library.thinkquest.org). Electromagnetic storms can be very dangerous as the lighting may igniting a house or tree that could start a series of fires in a neighborhood or possibly can fall onto a near by house.

However, fires and storms are not the only danger facing us. Flash floods are masses of water, moving fast, that is created by a heavy rainstorm as stated on the think quest website.

As stated on ThinkQuest.com, “This torrential downpour may transform a normally calm area into a powerful river of death in only a few short minutes.”

This can lead to flooding of one’s basement or house. One of the best ways to combat these new lake is with sandbags, high enough so that as little water as possible would be able to cross the strong wall of sand.

According to the United States Geography Survey (USGS) (quake.usgs.gov). “Earth scientists have shown that [the Wasatch fault] has repeatedly experienced strong earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher and will continue to do so in the future.”

This future earthquake will lead to a lot of devastation to Utahan homes since almost 75 percent of Utah’s population lives near the Wasatch Fault.

“Although no powerful earthquake has occurred on the Wastach Fault for the past 150 years, future events are certain. Strong bonds between residents, their church communities, and public agencies have created an effective network for disaster preparation unequaled in the United States,” according to The U.S Geography Survey.

Think Quest suggests that to battle the massive destruction is to fasten shelves securely to walls, store heavier items on the bottom shelves, store flammable and fragile objects in closed cabinets, bolt and strap the water heater, repair any cracked walls or ceilings, and make sure to brace overhead light fixtures.

“An example to ‘earthquake proof your hour kitchen would be to add latches on cupboards”, said Massic,“[Natural occurrences] occur and the best thing is to know how to evacuate a space. Nothing is ever ‘guaranteed,’”

Utah has many dangers, but the best way to protect one’s self, is to protect one’s house.