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Utah Disaster Management?

By Bryan Catherman

Over the last two weeks, we have witnessed government in action. The relationships between federal, state, and local governments in the south seem to be getting adjusted and schooled by recent problems. If Utah officials are learning anything from the southern governments is difficult to say at this point. However, as issues play out, this is becoming a profound opportunity for Utah to look at our own policies and procedures in the area of disaster management.

Imagine the “big earthquake” hit the Wasatch Front. The counties of Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah are crowded with the local governments of its many cities. We also have a strong county management system in Salt Lake County. If the earthquake destroyed and devastate Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah county, who would step up to the responsibilities of leadership? What jurisdictional issues would we face? How would we coordinate with the federal government? I believe this may be worth some further investigation, study, and disaster simulations in the future.

Posted by catherman on September 9, 2005 08:31 AM