Disaster Resilience

Utahns’ Vision for the
Future of Disaster Resilience

Utahns envision a future where they have peace of mind, security, and confidence about facing possible disasters. They envision being prepared as individuals, families, and communities so that in the event of a catastrophe, they will be able to remain in Utah, return to their normal lives quickly, and continue to support their families, regardless of the type or severity of the disaster.

What Utahns Want: Goals

Reduce the number of people who would be killed, injured, or displaced in a disaster.
Reduce how much disruption and damage a disaster would cause and the time needed to recover (including time to restore utilities, rebuild structures, reopen businesses, etc.).
Reduce the number of people who lose their jobs, can’t support themselves and their families, and have to leave Utah.
Protect those most at risk during a disaster.

How We’ll Get There: Key Strategies

Retrofit unreinforced masonry homes and buildings to protect life and prevent injuries in an earthquake.
Construct new buildings so more families can live in their homes and fewer companies are forced out of their places of business after an earthquake.
Harden existing and future infrastructure to prevent long-term disruptions.
House vulnerable populations (schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) away from disaster-prone areas; retrofit and design these buildings for resiliency.
Improve storm-water systems, homes, and communities to handle larger storms.
Locate new development away from fault lines, floodplains, liquefaction areas, and fire-prone areas.
Constantly improve disaster response and recovery systems.

View a complete list of strategies

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