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SALT LAKE CITY — Five years ago today, northern Utah was jolted by a powerful 5.7 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter north of Magna.
While the mainshock was felt along the Wasatch Front, with 30,000 Utahns reporting feeling it to the U.S. Geological Survey, the state experienced over 2,500 aftershocks in days and weeks that followed.
For many, the Magna earthquake on March 18, 2020, served as a wake-up call. Now, five years later, the lessons learned from that day have had a lasting impact on personal preparedness and infrastructure investments across the state.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Utah Division of Emergency Management and Be Ready Utah emphasized the importance of personal preparedness. They warned that the risk of a large earthquake occurring in Utah in the next 50 years is very real and that now is the time to act.
"We learned that an emergency can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared at all times — not just on the anniversary or when we're reminded that there's a big one coming, but always," said Bianca Velasquez, a preparedness expert with the Utah Division of Emergency Management.
Velasquez stressed the importance of always being prepared, regardless of when an emergency might strike. She says building a basic emergency kit for each family member doesn't need to be complicated; she says to start with a durable bag that includes necessities like water, clothing, and medication. An easy checklist to follow can be found on Be Ready Utah's website.
"I would take it step by step," Velasquez added. "An emergency kit is kind of fun to build — you get to go shopping and buy all the stuff you need in case of an emergency. So, I would start there and then build out your plans with you and your family."
When building a 72-hour kit, clothing and medications should be tailored to each family member's needs, ensuring they last for up to three days. Velasquez also recommends adding important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance information, into a waterproof bag.
Securing your space: How to prepare your home
Now is also a good time for Utahns to assess the risks in their own homes. A key component of earthquake preparation is ensuring that your living space is secure.
"What are the fire hazards, what are the flood hazards?" she said. "Go around your home, look for potential hazards, and make sure that everything is secure. For example, large bookshelves and heavy furniture should be anchored to walls to prevent them from toppling. Additionally, making sure that fire hazards and flood risks are addressed can help mitigate other dangers in the event of a quake."
Looking ahead: The Great Utah ShakeOut
With ongoing efforts to educate the public about earthquake preparedness, Utahns can participate in the upcoming statewide Great Utah ShakeOut drill on April 17. This annual event encourages residents, businesses, and schools to practice earthquake safety procedures, further emphasizing the importance of being prepared for when the next big one hits.
"We encourage everyone to take part in the Great Utah ShakeOut," Velasquez added. "It's a valuable opportunity to practice what you would do in the event of an earthquake and help everyone in your household know how to respond in a safe and effective way."
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