Cottonwood Heights Prepares for ShakeOut 2026

Cottonwood Heights residents are invited to participate in the ShakeOut 2026 earthquake preparedness drill on April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This annual event helps individuals, families, and neighborhoods practice critical safety actions that can save lives during an earthquake.

At 9:00 AM, participants are encouraged to take part in the drill by practicing the three essential steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. These actions are proven to reduce injury during seismic activity and are a key part of emergency preparedness.

In addition to the drill, residents are asked to place an emergency ribbon or colored object outside their homes before 9:00 AM, visible from the street. These markers help first responders quickly identify households that may need assistance.

The ribbon system is as follows:

🟢 Green indicates no medical situation

🟡 Yellow signals a non-life-threatening condition

🔴 Red alerts responders to a life-threatening emergency

⚫ Black indicates a fatality

If you do not have a ribbon, your local block captain can assist in distributing them prior to the event.

The ShakeOut is more than just a drill—it is an opportunity for the Cottonwood Heights community to come together and strengthen its preparedness for natural disasters. By participating, residents play a vital role in ensuring a safer, more resilient community.

For more information and additional earthquake preparedness resources, visit shakeout.org/utah.

---

Upcoming Emergency Management Training Sessions:  

2024

• Shelter vs. Shelter in Place
• Introduction & Overview to Emergency Communications

2023

• Keeping Your Home and Auto Safe this Winter 

2022 

• Pet preparedness and K-9 demonstration
• Be Ready Utah: Cooking without electricity | Coffee can stove | Disaster supply kit | Reflective box oven | Soda can stove | Solar oven | Sheltering
• Precinct and block leader training | Precinct leader training presentation
• Alternative cooking methods | Alternative cooking methods flyer | Bread and beans recipes
• Psychology of a disaster and first aid kits

2021

• Neighborhood Watch training
• Rocky Mountain Power, Dominion Energy, and home generators | Backup power handout
• Personal and family communication planning
• Water storage and treatment

2020

• Personal hygiene and sanitation