Ogden City Emergency Management is at the forefront of community emergency preparedness, providing an avenue to obtain free information for individuals interested in becoming aware of disasters that could occur locally and how to prepare for them. Many Emergency Preparedness brochures and checklists are available here on our website to make this information more accessible to you, the public.

We have information about on-going Community Emergency response Team (CERT) classes. This program trains individuals in disaster-related response and recovery for individuals, families and neighborhoods.

Information is also available on the Emergency Operations Plan for Ogden City. This plan outlines procedures and policies that will be utilized in handling major emergencies or disasters within the City limits.

• Developing a Family Disaster Plan
• Putting together a Family Disaster Supplies kit
• Earthquake Preparedness Information
• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes/High Winds
• Preparing for Winter Storms
• Community Emergency Response
• Team (CERT)
• Ogden City Emergency Plan

The choices that people make in disaster situations may determine if they and their loved ones live, die, are injured or other wise harmed.

These web pages are an attempt to present the best advice for most natural disaster situations. The problem with giving advice to people regarding disaster situations is that no matter what people are told, some people are going to be injured and some are going to die. There are no guarantees regarding this advice. This information is in no way definitive for all situations or circumstances. Rather it is presented to help you begin the process of preparing for yourself and your family.

Developing a Family Disaster Plan

If you're involved in a disaster, it's important to remain calm so that you will be able to put your disaster plan into action. What is a disaster plan? The following pages outline information contained in a basic disaster plan.

You cannot predict where family members will be when a disaster strikes. Ask yourself these questions:

How will family members find each other?

How will we know if family members are safe?

What would our family do if our water, gas electricity or telephones were cut off?

Being prepared and knowing what to do is very important. You may be on your own for a period of time until help can arrive. Meet together as a family and talk about disasters that are likely to happen in your area. If you need help contact your city or county emergency manager or the Red Cross for assistance.

• Find out what types of disasters are most likely to occur in your area.
• Decide on a place to meet if you are separated by disaster and cannot return home. Select a second meeting place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency.
• Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your "family contact".
• Be familiar with escape routes in your home, school or work.
• Post emergency numbers by the telephone.
• Discuss what to do if authorities ask you to evacuate. Plan home evacuations, then practice them.
• Show family members how to turn off water, gas and electricity. Decide when it's appropriate to shut them off.
• Look for hazards in your home. Secure objects that could cause injury.
• Get rid of fire hazards. Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Get training from the fire department on how to use your fire extinguisher (A-B-C type), and show family members where extinguishers are kept.
• Check batteries once a month; change them once a year.
• Learn First Aid and CPR.
• Become aware of special needs individuals in your neighborhood.
• Plan how to take care of your pets. Plan where you would take your pets if you had to go to a public shelter where they are not permitted.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Even if you are renting you can obtain insurance.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster 72-hour Kit.

Putting together a Family Disaster Supplies Kit

After a disaster, you could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, and telephones, may be cut off, or you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice. You probably won't have time to shop or search for the supplies you'll need. Following a disaster, having extra supplies at home or supplies to take with you in the event of an evacuation can help your family endure evacuation or home confinement.

Ask children to help you remember to keep your kits in working order by changing the food and water every six months and replacing batteries as necessary.

Tips for Your Disaster Supplies Kit

• Keep a smaller Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of each car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items will help you to be more comfortable until help arrives.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags. This will help protect them from damage or spoiling.
• Replace stored food and water every six months. Replacing your food and water supplies will help ensure their freshness.
• Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited
• Use an easy-to-carry container for the supplies you would most likely need for an evacuation. Supplies can be split up in containers each family member can carry. Label it clearly. Possible containers include:
  • A large, covered trash container
  • A camping backpack
  • A duffel bag
  • A cargo container that will fit on the roof of your vehicle

It will be necessary to assess your situation and choose items that will meet your needs, as you assemble your kit. This list is by no means conclusive is meant only to assist you in gaining ideas. Some suggestions are:

• Portable radio, flashlights (extra batteries)
• First Aid Kit
• Manual Tools that may be useful
• Credit card and small amount of cash
• Personal Identification
• An extra set of car keys
• Matches in waterproof container
• Needs for children
• Signal flare
• Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go
• Special needs, for example: diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions, hearing aid batteries, spare wheelchair battery, spare eyeglasses, or other physical needs.
• Three gallons of water per person.
• Three-day supply of nonperishable food.
• Kitchen accessories: manual can opener; mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic/disposable utensils; utility knife; a can of cooking fuel if food must be cooked; household liquid bleach to treat drinking water; sugar, salt, pepper; aluminum foil; plastic re-sealable bags.
• One complete change of clothing and footwear for each family member, sturdy shoes or workboots, raingear, hat and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses.
• Blankets or sleeping bag for each family member
• Tools and other accessories: paper, pencil; needles and thread; pliers, shut-off wrench, shovels, and other useful tools; tape; medicine dropper; whistle; plastic sheeting; small canister, A-B-C-type fire extinguisher; emergency preparedness manual; tube tent; compass.
• Sanitation and hygiene items: toilet paper, towelettes; soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent; feminine supplies; personal items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm; plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses); medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid; disinfectant; household chlorine bleach; small shovel for digging an expedient latrine.
• Entertainment, such as games and books.

Expect the unexpected and plan for it!

Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes will enable you to be in control. Safety starts at home. You can only help others if you are prepared.

Earthquake Preparedness / Know Your Environment

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see Family Disaster Plan section for general family planning information. Develop an earthquake plan. Learn about your area's earthquake risk.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the section Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies kit information.

Safest place in the house

During an earthquake, stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large panes of glass, shelves holding heavy objects, and masonry veneer (such as the fireplace). These items tend to fall or break and can injure you. Usually, a hallway is one of the safest places if it is not crowded with objects. Kitchens and garages tend to be the most dangerous. Also know the safest place in each room. It will be difficult to move from one place to another during a severe earthquake.

Always know the possible ways to exit your house and work place in emergency situations. Know the location of the shutoff valves for water, gas, and electricity, and how to operate the valves. If you are not sure, contact your utility company.

Make Special Provisions - Elderly, disabled, or persons under medication

These people may have difficulty moving around after an earthquake. Plan to have someone help them to evacuate if necessary. Also, they may need special foods or medication. Be sure to store several days' supply of these special provisions.

People who cannot speak English often rely on their family or friends for information. If they are separated during an earthquake, they may need help. Prepare emergency cards written in English indicating identification, address and any special needs.

After an earthquake, you should be concerned with your own safety before taking care of your pets. Storing extra food and water for pets is always a good idea. Keep them in a secure place at home after an earthquake. If you are evacuated, they will not be allowed at the emergency shelter.

Know Community Resources - Police and Fire

Know the locations of the nearest fire and police station.

After a damaging earthquake, emergency shelters and temporary medical centers will be set up in your community. Know your neighbors and their skills; you may be able to help each other after an earthquake. Also know where to go to help your community after a disaster. It may be days before outside emergency assistance arrives. It is important to help each other.

Plan to Meet

Make a plan on where and how to reunite family members. Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Remember, don't use the phone immediately after an earthquake, and make local calls only for emergencies.

Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if, after an earthquake, you are unable to do so.

When an earthquake strikes - Duck, Cover, and Hold

Whether you are in your home, a school classroom, a high-rise or other type of building, it is important to know how to protect yourself during an earthquake. Practice what to do during an earthquake and teach yourself and your family members to react automatically when the shaking starts. If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. If you are indoors, follow the steps below:

• DUCK
  DUCK or drop down to the floor.
• COVER
  Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or other furniture, if that is not possible, seek COVER against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors, or tall furniture.
• HOLD
  If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. HOLD the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

When you feel an earthquake. DUCK under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster or ceiling tiles. Stay under COVER until the shaking stops. HOLD onto the desk or table, if it moves, move with it. Here are some additional tips for specific locations.

Duck, Cover, and Hold Tips

1. If you're in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and you are not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall, and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevators. Do not be surprised if the fire alarm or sprinkler systems come on.
   
   
2. If you're OUTDOORS, move to a clear area, away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.
   
   
3. If you're on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
   
   
4. If you're DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
   
   
5. If you're in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
   
   
6. If you're in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.
   
   
7. If you're in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards. [Take time NOW to anchor appliances and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.]
   
   
8. If you're in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then leave in a calm, orderly manner.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE, BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS, AND PLAN WHERE YOU WILL TAKE COVER WHEN THEY OCCUR.

THUNDERSTORMS - Prepare yourself and your family

Plan for a ThunderStorm

Develop a Family Disaster Plan: please see Family Disaster Plan section for general family planning information.

Develop a thunderstorm-specific plan. Learn about your area's thunderstorm/flood risk.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the section Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies kit information. Thunderstorms are usually over in an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours.

Before a Storm

• Listen to radio stations that broadcast weather events. They broadcast when a watch or warning is in effect.
• Know what weather could happen. Have a raincoat, umbrella and disaster supplies kit available to use if severe weather occurs.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.
• Pay attention to the sky, darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind may be signs of an approaching storm.
• Look for places of shelter within your surroundings.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Find shelter immediately. Secure objects that could blow away, damage or injure someone.
• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Lightning could follow the wire.
• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

During a Storm

• Listen to a battery powered radio for updated emergency information. If the power goes out you still have access to important information.
• Draw blinds or shades over windows, the shades help prevent glass from shattering into your home if broken by strong winds.
• Unplug appliances and avoid using telephone or any appliances.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges can overload the compressor.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land, off the beach and find shelter. Take shelter in a strong, permanent, enclosed structure or reinforced building.
• If there are no buildings, take shelter in a car.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter in an area protected by a low clump of trees. Never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.
• Be aware of potential flooding in low-lying areas. Avoid tall structures such as tall trees, fences, telephone lines and power lines. Lightning usually strikes the tallest objects in an area.
• If you are isolated in a level field and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) drop to your knees, bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Crouch on the balls of your feet. Do not lie flat on the ground.
• Avoid flooded roadways. Do not attempt to drive through water that you cannot tell how deep it may be, rising water can stall the engine, which could result in a hazard to the occupants in the vehicle.

After a Thunderstorm

• Radio and television stations will broadcast updated information and instructions on road conditions.
• Assist others who may have been affected by the storm.
• Stay away from areas damaged by the storm. Watch for fallen power lines and report them immediately.

If Someone is Struck by Lightning

• Call 9-1-1 for help. Medical attention is needed as quickly as possible.
• Give first aid. If breathing is stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped, someone trained in CPR should start immediately.
• Check for burns, where the electricity entered the body and where it exited the body.

TORNADOES - HIGH WINDS

Plan for Tornado/High Winds

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see Family Disaster Plan section for general family planning information. Develop a tornado-specific plan. Learn about your area's tornado risk.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the section Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies kit information.

Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms. Tornadoes can be accompanied by lightning, high winds and hail. Most often you can be warned that a tornado is coming.

But there are times when a tornado develops very rapidly and there is not sufficient time to issue a warning. That is why it is important to keep alert to changing weather conditions and stay tuned to you local radio and TV stations for storm information. Thinking quickly can help you if you are caught in a tornado or high wind storms.

During a Tornado

• Pick the safest place to go. Shattered glass and flying debris can blow in windows and cause damage inside your home. If you have a basement, keep it cleared and uncluttered, since it is the safest place for your family to go. If you don't have a basement, a closet or bathroom on the lowest floor and nearest the center of your home is best.
• If you are in a high-rise, you can go to the center hallway or inside stairway for protection.
• If you live in a mobile home, you need to leave you home and find safety in a nearby, sturdy building.
• If you are in a car, get out of your car immediately. If there is no sturdy building nearby, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head.
• Keep your 72-hour kit accessible.
• Practice drills so everyone is familiar with what to do and where to go.

After a Tornado

• Monitor local media reports for advice and to find out where assistance is available.
• Check for gas leaks in your home. If you smell gas, open the windows and doors and turn off the main gas valve. Go to another location and notify the Gas Company, police or fire department.
• Check for blown fuses and short circuits in you home wiring, if a problem exists call your utility company.
• Drive carefully. Watch for debris, damaged roads, bridges and dangling wires.
• Call 9-1-1 to report emergency situations.
• Notify insurance agent if your property is damaged.
• If you need counseling to cope with the emotional trauma, contact your local Red Cross or Emergency Management Office.

Preparing for Winter Storms

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their cars. Attempting to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision.

Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous.

Know what winter storm and blizzard WATCHES and WARNINGS mean

• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is occurring, or will soon occur, in your area.
• A blizzard WARNING means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Plan for a Winter Storm

Develop a Family Disaster Plan

Please see Family Disaster Plan section for general family planning information. Develop a winter storm-specific plan. Learn about your area's winter storm risk.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the section Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies kit information. Winter Storm-specific supplies should include the following:

• A warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for each member of the family.
• Extra blankets and warm clothing.
• Non-clumping kitty litter. Kitty litter will generate temporary traction. Rock salt will melt ice on walkways but can damage vegetation and concrete. Other, less damaging, ice-melting products are available from building supply stores.

How to Protect Your Property

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands for heat. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out, allowing the inside temperature to stay warmer longer.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.

To keep pipes from freezing

1. Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
2. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
3. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
4. Know how to shut off water valves.

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Layering clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other. Half of your body heat loss is from the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can cause permanent harm to people. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or earlobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95?F. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Hypothermia is not always fatal, but for those who survive there is likely to be lasting kidney, liver, and pancreas problems.
• If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Using your own body heat will help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give frostbite or hypothermia victim alcohol or something with caffeine in it, like coffee or tea. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effect the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of the cold.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury. If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

Winter Driving

• Have your car(s) winterized before the winter storm season. Keeping your car(s) in good condition will decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil level. If necessary, replace existing oil with winter grade oil. Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
• If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling in winter weather. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and snow removal.
  Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each car used by members of your household. You should also bring a thermos of warm broth if you are on the road during a winter storm.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Plan long trips carefully. Traveling during winter weather can be hazardous. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Be aware of sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous. The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. During winter weather conditions, multiple vehicle accidents are more likely to occur, resulting in injury and death. Avoid driving during sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and dense fog - these serious conditions are often underestimated.

If you do get stuck

• Stay with your vehicle. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. Disorientation and confusion come very quickly in blowing snow. Avoid traveling during winter storms. If you must travel and do become stranded, it is better to stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling).
• Occasionally run engine to keep warm. Carbon monoxide can build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running, even if the exhaust pipe is clear. Experience has shown that running the heater for 10 minutes every hour is enough to keep occupants warm and will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve fuel. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or 5 minutes every half-hour). Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. o If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. One of the first signs of hypothermia is sleepiness. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death.
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
• Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger. Keep fingers and toes moving for circulation, huddle together, and drink warm broth to reduce risk of further injury.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Melt snow before using it for drinking water. Eating snow lowers your body temperature, increasing risk from hypothermia.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

A specialized course of instruction that will prepare you to respond to disasters at home, work, or on the road. A great way to have your organization or neighborhood prepared to handle emergencies. A proven life and property saving course taught by experienced emergency responders and preparedness professionals.

CERT COVERS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:

• DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
• DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION
• DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS
• LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE
• DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY
• TEAM ORGANIZATION
• DISASTER SIMULATION EXERCISE

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services will not be able to help everyone affected immediately, you will be able to make a difference by using this training, which prepares individuals to save lives and protect property.

This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. You will want to help. With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

If available, emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to handle emergencies and you should use them. However, following a catastrophic disaster, you and the community may be on your own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and un-passable roads.

For more information on how you can get this training for yourself, your family, or organization contact Ogden City Emergency Management Office at 629-8013.

Ogden City Emergency Operations Plan

Emergency Preparedness is no accident. Cities, like individuals, must plan in advance for emergencies that threaten widespread harm to residents and disruption of City services. An Emergency Operations Plan is required for each local government in Utah. The purpose of the plan is to provide legal framework for the management of emergencies. It provides an overview of operational concepts, identifies components of the City Emergency Management Organization, and describes the overall integration of City, County, State, and Federal entities. This emergency plan defines the critical roles and responsibilities that must be performed to enable essential City services to continue and to allow City officials to ensure that critical functions will be carried out as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.

Ogden City's emergency plan is an "all-threat" plan, so it is not specific to any one type of emergency but prepares Ogden City for any event that threatens its well being. This could include anything from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods to technological threats, as well as other hazards such as airline crashes, fires or hazardous materials spills.

During an emergency Fire, Police and other City departments will be receiving requests for service, setting priorities according to most critical needs and then responding accordingly. For that reason residents should realize that they might be unable to receive the routine services that they would expect under normal conditions.

Because emergency assistance may be delayed during a crisis the City encourages all residents to be prepared to be self-reliant for up to 72 hours following a major emergency.

For more information on how to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency event, residents are encouraged to look at the information sources in the website. (click for link to E.M. homepage) Personal emergency preparedness information is also available through the links below.

The Ogden City Emergency Management Office maintains and updates the City's emergency plan regularly. You may direct questions about the plan to the Emergency Management Coordinator at the Public Safety Building, 2186 Lincoln Avenue, Ogden, Utah, 84401, or by calling 629-8013 during normal business hours.