It’s not a question of “if”, but “when” disaster will strike. Whether it’s another pandemic, a harsh winter, high winds, a wild fire or a public disruption, we need to be ready. And we will be, and we don’t stand alone.

The West Jordan City Council adopted a hazard mitigation plan in July, a document that outlines all the ways that West Jordan, Salt Lake County, surrounding cities and school districts can support each other.

“Hazards don’t stop at jurisdictional lines,” West Jordan Emergency Manager Jeff Mulcahy said.

He said the plan outlines “action to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. It helps the community identify and assess risks.”

West Jordan saves money for emergencies, but sometimes it won’t be enough. To qualify for financial aid from the federal government, the city needs an official Hazard Mitigation Plan as well as an Emergency Operations Plan (another plan the city does have). The updates this summer to the hazard mitigation plan  added new safety tips and includes land that has become part of West Jordan since 2019.

The hazards we are preparing for are a mix of natural and manmade:

• Drought
• Earthquake
• Extreme heat/cold
• Heavy rain and flooding
• Severe winter weather
• High winds
• Landscape and slope failure
• Lightning strikes
• Public health pandemic/epidemic
• Radon
• Tornado
• Wildfires
• Civil disturbances
• Dam failures
• Hazardous materials
• Technological threats/emergencies

When disaster strikes, West Jordan will be ready.

By Erin Dixon