Prepared Neighborhood Newsletter Oct. - Dec. 2013

             Oct – Dec 2013

the Wasatch Front – 7.0 Quake

  SALT LAKE CITY — Scientists say Utah's Wasatch Front faces a 1-in-7 chance of being hit by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake  sometime in the next 50 years.  By Lee Davidson, Deseret News

 

If it hits at the worst-possible time — in the middle of a winter night — government computer models estimate that it could kill about 3,000 people, injure another 42,000, damage more than a third of all buildings and cause at least $35 billion in economic loss.

More than 60,000 people would need public shelter during freezing temperatures. Most power, water and communications would be out initially, and may not be restored in some areas for months. Fires could be widespread.

Police and firefighters would be so overwhelmed that they could not reach many people for days, so neighbors would need to rely on each other for help.

QUAKE ODDS

"It's been about 1,300 years — plus or minus 650 — since the Salt Lake City segment (of the Wasatch fault) had an earthquake of that magnitude," said University of Utah seismologist Jim Pechman.

He said the probability of a large quake on the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault (one of 10 independent segments of that fault system) is somewhere between 1-in-10 to 1-in-7 in the next 50 years. "If you look at the Wasatch Front as a whole, it would be higher," he said, about 1-in-7 odds overall.

QUAKE DESCRIPTION

Scientists say a worst-case scenario quake in Utah would be centered in mid-Salt Lake Valley, and would be felt in seconds from Brigham City in the north to Santaquin in the south, and from Tooele in the west to Coalville in the east. It would affect 80 percent of Utah's population.

Shaking in Salt Lake County would be so severe that no one would be able to stand without falling. Unsecured hot-water heaters would shake loose in many homes, and broken gas lines would start fires. Bookcases, furniture and debris would fall and injure many. Some people trying to run out of buildings would be killed by falling debris. Collapsing buildings would kill many.

A 7.0 quake would quickly create a ledge or "scarp" that could stretch for nearly 30 miles along the main fault — roughly following Wasatch Drive in the south valley, and following Highland Drive and 1300 East in the central and northern parts of the valley.

Pechman said that scarp, or ledge, would be about 3 feet high — but would be up to 9 feet tall in places. As the scarp forms, it could snap utility lines and block transportation across it, and topple houses around it.

Bob Carey, earthquake preparedness director for the Utah Division of Homeland Security, says two small valley faults would likely also shake "in sympathy" with the larger Wasatch fault, and also form smaller scarps.

The Taylorsville fault roughly follows I-215 northward from 4700 South to Rose Park. The Granger fault runs diagonally from a point near 2700 West and 5400 South to near North Temple and 5600 West.

Besides the three scarps blocking east-west traffic and relief efforts, Carey said lands along the Jordan River are expected to "liquefy" or act like quicksand in the quake, meaning bridges may collapse. "As a planning strategy, we're not counting on any of the bridges across the Jordan to be accessible," Carey said.

CASUALTIES

Computer models developed by the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency estimate quake damage — and predict that casualties could vary greatly depending on the time of day that a big quake hits.

Carey said a 7.0 quake hitting in the middle of the night, for instance at 2 a.m., would cause the most casualties: an estimated 2,920 dead, another 1,480 with life-threatening injuries, another 9,360 with non-life-threatening injuries but still needing hospitalization, plus 31,430 with "Band-Aid" injuries.

He said fatalities would be greater during the night because many older homes in Utah are "unreinforced masonry buildings," made of bricks on bricks without reinforcing steel. The brittle structures don't flex well in quakes and can snap like chalk. Upgrades — such as better attaching of roofs to walls — can make them safer.

In comparison, a quake that hits during drive-time rush hour, say 5 p.m., "is safer because a larger portion of the population is in transit and not in buildings," Carey said. Models predict fatalities then would be down by 16 percent compared to a middle-of-the-night quake, and other injuries would be down by 20 percent.

The safest time for a big quake may be during the workday because more people would be inside commercial buildings that "tend to be newer, which means they were built to a higher seismic code," Carey said.

DAMAGE

Carey said models predict that 38 percent of all buildings in the area would suffer at least moderate damage. He said they predict that economic losses from damage to buildings and their contents would be more than $34 billion.

Models also predict that more than 62,000 people would need public shelter — which could be dire if an earthquake hits during freezing temperatures in winter. Nearly 100,000 households would be displaced here in a 7.0 quake, but not all would need public shelter as they huddle with friends or family.

Carey expects all cell phones and landline phones to go down initially. "Whether it's due to damage or overuse, they always go down," he said.

"The power is still going to go down. That's going to be for eight to 12 hours. And then when it does come back, it's going to be spotty," Carey said, adding that 80 percent of areas should have it restored within 30 days — a time frame that should be similar for restoring telephone systems.

"Water systems will take longer," he said. "We could see some areas without water for three months." Sewer systems take even longer. He said he expects natural gas "to perform a little better" because of upgrades to pipes and systems recently.

PLANNING

Carey said police and firefighters would likely be overwhelmed in a 7.0 quake, and neighbors will likely need to depend on each other for help for the first hours and days. That is why the state has encouraged neighborhoods to form Community Emergency Response Teams. Many local cities offer CERT training.

Carey said personal and family preparedness is also wise. For example, officials have said that in a 7.0 quake, residents may need to depend on their "72-hour" kits of supplies for five days or more for food, water and other basics. A book by the state on earthquake dangers and how to prepare is available online at quake.utah.edu.

 

Prepared Neighborhood Newsletter Jul. - Sep. 2013

             July – Sept 2013

Heat Stroke & exhaustion

  The terms “heat exhaustion” and “heat stroke” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. While both are caused by being exposed to extreme heat- the consequences of the much more serious heat stroke can be deadly.

Heat Stroke

  A potentially fatal condition caused by overexposure to heat. Heat stroke is characterized by high body core temperature and hot, dry skin, usually flushed. Sufferers show signs of mental confusion and loss of muscular coordination. They may collapse into unconsciousness. There is an urgent need to reduce the body temperature rapidly by loosening clothing, fanning, and tepid sponging. However, iced fluids and iced baths should not be used because they may constrict blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the skin and the means by which heat can escape. Medical attention is necessary; hospitalization may be required as there is a danger of kidney failure. During June 1995, there was an unprecedented heat wave in Chicago when more than 400 fatalities were attributed to very high temperatures and humidities.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion is one part of the spectrum of heat-related illnesses that begin with heat cramps, progress to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.
• The body cools itself by sweating and allowing that sweat to evaporate. This requires enough fluid in the body to make sweat, air circulating across the skin, and low enough air humidity to allow that sweat to evaporate.
• Activity in a hot environment can overwhelm the body's ability to cool itself, causing heat-related symptoms.
• Symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps.
• Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke when the body's temperature regulation fails. The affected individual develops a change in mental status, becomes confused, lethargic and may have a seizure, the skin stops sweating, and the body temperature may exceed 106 F (41 C ). This is a life-threatening condition and emergency medical attention is needed immediately.
• Treatment for heat exhaustion includes recognizing the symptoms, stopping the activity, and moving to a cooler environment. Rehydration with water or a sports drink is the cornerstone of treatment for heat exhaustion. If nausea or vomiting prevents the affected individual from drinking enough water, intravenous fluids may be required.

 

  Here are the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other types of heat stress, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

 

HEAT CRAMPS : Painful cramps caused by low salt levels in the body due to excessive sweating.

Symptoms include:

• Muscle pain or spasms; usually in the arms, legs, or abdomen.

First aid for heat cramps:

• Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place
• Drink clear juice or a sports drink
• Avoid physical activity for a few hours after the cramps subside
• Seek medical attention if the sick has heart problems, is on a low-sodium diet, or the cramps do not subside in an hour’s time.

HEAT EXHAUSTION : The body’s response to losing excessive amounts of water and salt.

Symptoms include: Heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, change in complexion, nausea, clammy skin, higher body temperature, fast and shallow breathing.

First aid for heat exhaustion:

• Have the sick rest in an area that is cool, shaded, or air conditioned
• Have them drink plenty of water
• Have them take a cool shower or sponge bath

HEAT STROKE : When the body is unable to cool down; under heat stroke, body temperature can reach 106 degrees or higher within minutes. Can cause death or permanent disability.

Symptoms include:

• Profuse sweating or hot, dry skin
• Chills
• Hallucinations
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Throbbing headache.

First aid for heat stroke:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Be sure that the sick is placed in a cool area
• Cool the sick by soaking their clothes with water or fanning their body.

Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot

  Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.

Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.

1. Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
2. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
4. Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house

Prepared Neighborhood Newsletter Apr. - Jun. 2013

 

Apr – Jun 2013

Fruit Trees

Utah supports many agricultural endeavors, including fruit trees. Fruit trees were brought to the area by Mormons and other early settlers. According to the University of Utah, three of the more popular fruit trees grown in Utah include apples, cherries and peaches. While fruit trees can be a flavorful addition to any garden, you’ll likely have to wait a few years before the tree will yield a harvest. 

Peaches

According to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension, the most common variety of early-season peach grown in Utah is the Redhaven. The Redhaven is harvested in August. Peaches should be grown in full sunlight. Well-draining, sandy soil, as well as a higher elevation, are ideal conditions for this tree. Prune diseased or damaged branches and thin the fruit for optimum fruit growing.

Cherries

Cherry trees should be planted at least 18 feet apart, as they can grow to be quite large. Plant them in a rich soil that drains well. If your soil is poor, add compost. Water new trees deeply to encourage root growth. According to the Gardener’s Network, established cherry trees may need fertilizer for at least the first three years. Every year, before the buds open, use a fruit tree spray to help prevent insect or disease problems. Avoid spraying anything on the tree close to harvest time. Prune your cherry tree annually, removing dead or diseased branches.

Apples

Apple trees should be selected from the nursery when they are one-year-old. If it has a good root system, it should handle transplanting well. Apple trees need to be planted in areas of full sun. Fertilize your trees with 10-10-10 fertilizer: 1 lb. the first year, 2 lbs. the second and 3 lbs. in the third. However, do not fertilize immediately after transplanting the tree, as this could damage the roots.

Planting Fruit Trees 

  Select the location of your fruit tree by imagining it at its full size. Take into account its width and understand that the roots of your tree will reach out as far as the length of the branches. This means that you don't want it too close to a building or driveway. You should also make sure that you read the directions for your tree to determine where you should plant it in accordance to the sunny spots.

  Dig a wide hole that is broader than that width of the roots and deep enough to cover the roots. You want the roots to stretch out comfortably. Make sure that the root is surrounded by loose soil so that they are not challenged by compressed earth.

  Read the directions for amending the soil during the fruit tree planting process. Ideally you want to add organic nutrients to your soil, assuming amending is even necessary. In some cases, all that is needed is a sprinkle of compost on the base of the hole. Check with the nursery regarding amending soil and what they suggest. In some cases you may not even have to amend the soil because the existing soil contains enough nutrition. You don't want to add too much to your soil because you need it to live and thrive on the existing soil in your ground.

  Throw in some of your loose soil into the hole about a finger length high to create a mound, and position the root ball of your fruit tree on top of the center of the mound. Spread out the roots and make sure the graft line situated at the base of the trunk is higher than the level of the ground. Add or remove soil from the mound accordingly. Just ensure that no roots are exposed.

  And, the most important thing that you want to remember when you're planting apples, pears, and cherries is that they need another tree that blooms at the same time, so that the bees can cross pollinate. That's how you're going to have your best fruit production. And, the way that you're going to know what to plant, is that you'll find a chart when you go to buy your fruit trees. It'll show which trees are blooming at the same time, and that's what you're going to want to target. Now, some trees, like peaches, are self pollinating. You don't need another tree in order to get fruit. Another good tip is to just have a lot of your fruit bearing trees and shrubs in an area near each other. That allows a lot of activity, a lot of pollinators will be visiting. 

  The other thing that you want to do is consider when you want to put in your trees. Now, in most parts of the country, spring and later winter are the best times to plant fruit trees. This one was put in last spring, and as you can see, it's kind of getting established. You can plant them in the fall if you can find them, but usually what happens is, right around February or March, you'll find bare root fruit trees, and there's a couple of good reasons for that. One is that they are far less expensive. If you buy them that way, you'll find them with a burlap bag around them. And, what you'll want to do is, you want to bring them home, and you want to put them right into the soil, or right into some water, and then get them planted. The biggest drawback is wet soil. If it's too wet in your area, then you might want to wait a little bit longer. Just make sure that you keep them moist, and don't let the roots dry out at all until it's planting time. In the spring, there's usually be best selection, and you'll be able to find your trees. This tree is probably pretty close to bearing fruit. Three years is usually the time that it takes for a new tree to bear fruit. 

  And, what you're going to want to do is watch for the first flowers the first year, and you want to pinch those off. The best fruit production comes from a healthy tree that's had time to establish. Now, once you've decided to let your fruit go ahead and mature, you want to thin it out, so that you don't overbear the tree. Now, I haven't staked this tree, because it's way too sturdy. But, if it's a smaller tree, and it's kind of flimsy, you might want to put a stake, but don't leave it too long, because the roots need to get themselves anchored in. And, that's what you need to know about planting fruit trees.
 

Additional information:

http://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Fruit-Trees

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Prepared Neighborhood Newsletter Jan. - Mar. 2013

              Jan – Mar 2013

Emergency Communications

  In times of disaster, normal means of

communications may not be available.

Telephone systems, computer networks even

Cellular phones are highly susceptible to failure in the event of an emergency. Knowing, understanding and planning for just such an emergency can save lives.

ERRS

ERRS is the acronym for the “Emergency

Response Radio System”. This Amateur Radio communications network is supported by local HAM radio organizations to provide a means of reporting the critical information necessary to provide neighbors and their families the needed emergency assistance in times of local, regional or national disaster. It is a specialized and dedicated network for community communications.

  The ERRS network is staffed by

skilled and licensed Amateur radio operators, called and organized by local CERT teams, at each level of the network.

  Our area communications committee is a network of volunteer HAM radio operators who meet semi-annually to participate in radio checks, provide weekly equipment trials, community Radio Net announcements, comments and training topics.

  Our local communications Net is always looking for new members who are licensed or have a desire to learn a new hobby and become licensed.  There are three levels of HAM radio operators: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra.  These licensees gain more privileges on the traditional HF or “short wave” bands of Amateur Radio.  They all started just like you, taking the basic exams and getting on the air.

  More information regarding HAM radio and the exams can be found at the end of the newsletter.

Neighborhood Organization

  Our area is organized into CERT staging areas.  Ask your Block Captain where your staging area is.  This is where members of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will gather after providing for their own families.  The Communications committee members will do the same.

  The Incident Commander of CERT will coordinate with local leaders using the assigned radio operators.  The most crucial information will come from Block Captains using the “Damage Assessment Form”.  After providing for their own families, the Block Captains will carry these forms to the CERT staging area where an assessment will be made and required assistance provided.  Our staging areas will have the ability to communicate by way of HAM radio to each other and also to the Area Coordinator of CERT who can then relay information on to city communication centers.

  In the event of natural disaster, a particular area needs professional assistance; the need can be quickly forwarded to local police, fire, and search and rescue.  Each level of organization requires multiple people to staff their posts.  Twelve hours is the maximum amount a volunteer can work.  Our CERT and Communications committee has provided for just such an event.

 

What do you do?

  First, be prepared!  Have you filled out a Family Emergency Plan worksheet found on page 7 of your “Neighborhood and Emergency Preparedness Guidebook”?  Have you completed your wallet card information and your Family Member Information sheet to be shared with your Block Captain?  This information is a means to provide for your family in the event of an emergency and not to be used for any other purpose.

  Second, provide for your family.  Make sure your family needs are taken care of before you assist in helping others.  Use the color-coded cards in your manual to alert your Block Captain of your situation;  Green- Everyone is O.K., Yellow – Help Needed Not Urgent, Red – Help Needed Now.  Put these signs in you front window.

  Third, help your Neighbor.  The plan is that your Block Captain reports your neighbor needs to the CERT staging area.  He/She or his assistant might not be unavailable.  Check on your neighbors and report what you see to the CERT staging area. 

  Use the training you’ve received to be a better volunteer.  If you have training in a particular area, let your Block Captain know.  If you have equipment that might be useful in the event of an emergency, let your Block Captain know.  Take first aid and CPR classes now.  Communicate to someone out of state your intentions to use them as an information source if local phone lines are busy.  Family members can call this individual to obtain knowledge of other family members.

In Conclusion:

  Someone once said, “Fanaticism is someone who has lost their way and doubled their speed; commitment is someone who has found their way and quadrupled their speed.”  When hard times come, will you be a fanatic or committed?  Will you be hopeless or prepared?

  Communications is extremely important in Emergency Preparedness.  Know yourself, know your family, know your neighbors, and know the organization that can best help your family.  Become CERT trained or join the HAM communications committee in your area.  Remember, communications emergency is a situation in which communications is required for immediate safety of human life or protection of property

Additional information:

.     

www.arrl.org/     --HAM radio

www.slcoares.net/    --HAM radio

www.citizencorps.gov/cert/    --CERT

www.taylorsvilleut.gov/emergency_preparedness.main.html      --CERT, First aid, CPR

www.fema.gov/  --Emergency Preparedness

www.unifiedfire.org/  --CERT, First aid, CPR



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