Dispelling Myths Circulating After Utah Earthquake
Mar 18, 2020, 11:52 AM | Updated: 2:54 pm
Damage can be seen from the earthquake March 18, 2020 (Photo: Chopper 5)
(Photo: Chopper 5)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Division of Emergency Management wants to dispel a few myths that began circulating after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in northern Utah Wednesday.
According to a statement from UDEM, there are many untruths making the rounds that need to be clarified.
MYTH: Officials are prediction a larger earthquake in the next 30 minutes.
FACT: Earthquakes cannot be predicted. However, UDEM officials are 95 percent certain that the earthquake this morning was the main quake.
MYTH: Officials (FEMA) are telling people to evacuate
FACT: They are not. The earthquake was strong, and it caused damages across the Salt Lake Valley, but people are not being evacuated.
MYTH: Shut off your natural gas.
FACT: Only shut it off if you hear or smell gas escaping.
MYTH: Get in a doorway.
FACT: It’s better to get under a table or desk.
MYTH: There’s a gas shortage.
FACT: All Utah refineries are up and functioning. There’s no need to run out and buy gas.
