Emergency Preparedness

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Preparedness Response Plans

The Utah County Health Department (UCHD) is part of a county-wide emergency preparedness and response system. UCHD helps organize public health services during emergencies, such as giving out medicine and supplies, and working with hospitals, the Red Cross, and other groups to help make sure the response is well-coordinated and effective.

Accidental Release of Chemicals 

Chemical spills can put many people in danger. During these events, UCHD works with hospitals and emergency responders to share information and run public phone lines to give advice about whether to evacuate or stay inside.

If evacuation is needed, UCHD works with the Red Cross to help provide temporary shelters. UCHD also works with federal agencies to quickly provide antitoxins and other medicines to help protect public health.

Animal and Insect Spread Disease

Many diseases can be spread by animals and insects, called vectors. The UCHD Epidemiology Division works with state and private labs to regularly check for these diseases in the community.

Examples of vector-borne diseases include:

  • Zika Virus
  • West Nile Virus
  • Tularemia
  • Rabies
  • Hantavirus

Human Spread Disease 

New and changing diseases are a constant global concern. Because of international travel, some diseases can spread around the world in as little as 48 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) keeps a close watch on these diseases.

Some high-priority diseases being monitored include:

  • New Types of Influenza A
  • Viral Pneumonias
  • Smallpox
  • Ebola
  • Anthrax

Natural Disasters 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified earthquakes as a major risk for people living along the Wasatch Front. An earthquake could cause:

  • Widespread power, water, and gas outages
  • Damage to roads and infrastructure
  • Collapse of about 20% of buildings
  • Around 6,000 injuries and many deaths

Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but being prepared can help save lives during the first 48 hours before help arrives. It is important for residents to create family emergency plans and have disaster supply kits ready.

Radiological Event 

Dirty bombs use explosives mixed with radioactive material and are considered a possible terrorist threat. The explosion itself usually causes more harm than the radiation, but these devices are meant to cause fear and disrupt communities.

UCHD, local first responders, and hospitals are trained and ready to use decontamination procedures if a dirty bomb event happens.