Utah · Preparedness Guide
Ready for what Utah actually throws at you.
A major Wasatch Front earthquake is overdue, wildfires race across the plateaus every summer, the Great Salt Lake is drying into a toxic dust bowl, and the Salt Lake Valley traps winter air pollution that rivals any city in the country.
About this guide
Built for Utah. Not everywhere.
Utah's hazard profile is dominated by one looming reality: the Wasatch Fault runs directly beneath Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden — a population corridor of 2.5 million people. The March 2020 M5.7 earthquake damaged the State Capitol and caused $50M in damage; geologists estimate a M7.0+ event has a 43% probability in the next 50 years. The Great Salt Lake hit a record low in 2022, and as it continues to dry, it exposes lakebed laced with arsenic and heavy metals — creating dust plumes that could affect millions. Wildfires burn across the state every summer. Canyon flash floods kill hikers every year. And the Salt Lake Valley's winter inversions trap pollutants at levels that exceed federal health standards for weeks at a time.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Earthquakes (Wasatch Fault), Wildfires, Great Salt Lake Dust & Air Quality
UT has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 4a (northeastern UT / Uinta Basin highlands) to 8b (St. George / Dixie region)
Unemployment: up to $801/week for 26 weeks (minimum 10 weeks)
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
What this guide covers.
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Local Risk Readiness
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Local Learning
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Local Community
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Local Emergency
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Local Gardening
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Local Safety Net
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Local Transportation
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Checklists
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Make it personal to your county.
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Where do you want to go next?
Know your risks
See what's actually likely where you live.
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the UT risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
Start with three days of self-reliance.
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours