Given that a major earthquake is inevitable in Utah, residents may wonder how they can be safe during the quake's initial tremors and prepared for its consequences afterward. One program, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is designed to help all individuals know what to do and what not to do during or after an earthquake. It has separate organizations for south Davis County, Farmington, Clearfield, Kaysville, Layton, South Weber, etc. "CERT is a nationwide organization, and we have our program here in south Davis County run with the help of the fire department," said Bountiful resident Dennis Maughan, a CERT volunteer.

"We have coordinated role-playing mock disaster drills in the past, and we teach things like first-aid basics, communication during an earthquake and safety measures. We also do in-depth meeting and planning to discuss things like transportation and who might need help the most during an earthquake."

Hoff said CERT is open to all residents who may be concerned about what to do during or after a major earthquake.

"Anyone can sign up for training from CERT, and besides first aid they also teach CPR, how to protect yourself and other knowledge of what to do during an earthquake, such as how to lift something off someone," she said.

"It's helps to have the local fire department train on CERT. There are not enough affordable emergency services out there, and we need to be prepared because this earthquake is going to be real and it's going to hit."

Gwynn said the local churches in the area also do their part to educate residents on earthquake safety.

"There are a number of churches here doing neighborhood preparation plans for earthquakes," he said. "First, they'll assign groups to cover certain people in a geographical area close to where they live. Then they'll say there will be an earthquake on a certain date, and they'll tell the people to contact and try and assess the needs of everyone in their area within an hour."

Carey said children in the area are also involved with earthquake safety in case the big one hits during school hours. "For 'earthquake week,' which is usually the first week in April, the schools spend time covering earthquake issues and safe areas to be when it hits," Carey said. "They also do earthquake drills and activities like 'duck and cover' to give the kids a better understanding that we live in an area prone to earthquakes. There's also Homeland Security Preparation Month in September, which involves getting people more knowledgeable about their community's preparation program."

During an actual earthquake, Hoff said there are a number of safe places to hide and things to look out for in the midst of all the chaos. "The inside of solid walls are safe areas to be no matter what, but it's also important to watch for lights, pictures, showcase windows and possibly the ceiling falling," Hoff said.

"Doorways, especially steel or metal ones, or hallways at home or work are safe places to be, and the bathroom, closets, behind furniture, heavy tables and counters are good places to take cover or crawl under. Every family should talk about where the safest places are to be in the house during an earthquake because you all might not be in the same area at the same time."