Abstract

Geologic hazards along the Wasatch Front present risks to the area’s population. As the population grows, the risks increase. To understand and reduce the risk, residents need to know what the hazards are, where they exist, and how to avoid, mitigate, or prepare for them.

To help educate the public about geologic hazards, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, the Utah Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management, and the Utah Geological Survey translate geotechnical data into understandable forms for non-geologists. To aid the public in utilizing this information, these agencies provide maps, non-technical summary publications, workshops for various audiences, Utah-specific data on Internet, and accessible assistance.

Geologic-hazards maps provide the basic information that many users need. Some maps can be used directly by planners, local officials, and the public; others must be translated into products designed specifically for the non-technical user. Outreach programs are then designed to transfer the map information to users. For example, for the education community, workshops have been developed specifically for school administrators, teachers, and students to learn about earthquakes, as well as how to prepare and respond to an earthquake. Utah-specific earthquake data on Internet include maps, lists of earthquake events, and answers to commonly asked questions about Utah’s earthquake threat. In addition, the three agencies provide a variety of “expert” services to assist people in understanding and living with geologic hazards.