Q: Does it cost anything to take the SAFE Neighborhoods training?
A: No. All of the training sessions are free.

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Q:   I just moved here and I don’t know my neighborhood or my neighbors. Where can I get more information about the program in my neighborhood?
A:  For specific details about your neighborhood, contact your local Emergency Management Office.  Contact information can be found in the “Contacts” section on this website.  
 
Q:  Will there be bedding at the schools?
A:  The SAFE Neighborhoods Plan provides an information and planning hub for the neighborhood. Sheltering information may be available but do not plan on bedding or other supplies. Consider this when assembling 96 Hour kits for each member of your household.

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Q:  Should we assume there will be no plumbing facilities at the school?
A:  An earthquake of a 7.0 magnitude will disrupt most critical infrastructure including water, sewer, gas, electrical, and telecommunication services.  Consider this in your 96 hour kit.

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Q:  What if my nearest school is affected by the earthquake?
A:  Regardless of the condition of the school facility, the location will still be used as the initial SAFE Neighborhoods hub.

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Q:  Will there be medical help at the school?
A:  Not initially unless there are medically trained individuals in your neighborhood. The SAFE Neighborhoods program includes coordination with local emergency medical services which can provide more advanced treatment.  However, individuals are encouraged to enroll in classes such as CERT, First Aid, CPR, etc. to become better prepared themselves.

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Q:  Will there be child care available?
A:  The SAFE Neighborhoods program is based on the “neighbors helping neighbors” philosophy and the expectation is that child care will be established when available, however, it will be some time initially until this is established.

 

Q:  Is there something I can do right now to be prepared?
A:  Yes.  All preparedness starts at home.  Start developing a family emergency plan. Begin with a home evacuation plan with a nearby place outside the home where everyone can meet.  Then begin assembling a 96 Hour kit for every member of your household.  

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Q:  How can I bring this program to my neighborhood?
A:  If you are interested in bringing this program to your neighborhood, contact your local Emergency Management office.  Contact information can be found by clicking on the “Contacts” tab on this website. If your local office is unfamiliar with the SAFE Neighborhoods program, ask them to contact the Salt Lake County Division of Emergency Management to get the information to bring the program to your neighborhood.

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Q:  If I’m not at home when the earthquake happens, should I go to a school by where I’m at?
A:  Yes. The core concept of the SAFE Neighborhoods program is having a location that everyone knows to go to.  This will expedite locating individuals and reuniting households. However, always consider life safety. This is one of the considerations you must make when developing your Household Emergency Plan.

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Q:   How do I find the school nearest me?
A:  Click on the “Maps” tab at the top of the page on this website and enter your address in the mapping application.  You can also contact your local school district for information on the schools in your area.

Q:  How will I be reunited with my family?
A:  Emergency Management officials have developed priority transportation corridors to maximize life-saving efforts.  This planning includes clearing routes to schools, hospitals, and other emergency services locations. The Red Cross Safe & Well linking program will pinpoint family member locations across the valley. People will be transported throughout the valley via buses to and from each neighborhood hub.

Q:  Will there be food at the school?
A:  No. One of the basic components of the SAFE Neighborhoods program is individual and household preparedness to including building a 96 Hour kit for every member of your household.  Your 96 Hour kit should include food and water to sustain each member of your household for 96 hours.

Q:  How does this program tie in to my church’s emergency plan for my neighborhood?
A:  As the SAFE Neighborhoods program is introduced to neighborhoods, in addition to the training components, each neighborhood will form a “Preparedness Committee” that will determine how best to incorporate existing emergency plans into the SAFE Neighborhoods program.  The best way to have a voice in the final plan for your neighborhood is to get involved and take part in the planning process.

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Q:  Can I sleep at my house and just come to the school for Check In and information?
A:  Possibly. If your house is stable and there is no sign of potential collapse, it is an option.  However, there may be structural damage to your home that is not visible or readily apparent to someone who is not trained in evaluating structural stability. Also keep in mind there will likely be multiple aftershocks in the days and weeks that follow an initial 7.0 earthquake along the Wasatch Fault.  If you have any doubt, get out.

Q:  Can I bring my dog?
A:  Other than documented service animals (such as a Seeing Eye dog), pets are not allowed in schools or shelters for medical and sanitary reasons. Accounting for pets is part of the SAFE Neighborhoods plan. A co-located shelter for pets can be located as close as possible to the main shelter.  Check lists for doing this can be found in the Just-In-Time (JIT) Earthquake Kit located at the school.