After a magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck the University of Utah campus on 22 April, emergency responders and citizens alike turned to social media for information about where to find help. In less than 12 hours, the U’s official Twitter account had amassed more than 49,000 followers and was retweeted by representatives from FEMA, the Red Cross, and other national disaster response organizations. What makes this success story so remarkable is that the U did not have to hire a PR agency or create a separate Twitter account just for disaster response; it used its existing @UofU account. In fact, according to Kevin Reed, an associate professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the U, using existing social media platforms can be a great way to build relationships with potential donors and volunteers. “I think it’s important for people to realize that these channels are already out there and we just have to start using them more effectively,” Reed said. “There are all these different ways that we can use social media to connect with people and help them during disasters.” While Reed’s advice may be especially helpful for smaller institutions like the U, larger organizations might find
What is a earthquake?
An earthquake is a geological event that occurs as the Earth’s lithosphere cracks. Earthquakes can be felt by people, animals and machines.
Types of earthquakes
There are three types of earthquakes: surface waves, interplate shocks, and intraplate shocks. Surface waves travel through the earth’s surface and cause the most damage because they travel through solid earth. Interplate shocks happen when two plates move against each other and cause a lot of destruction. Intraplate shocks happen inside of plates and don’t usually cause as much damage because they go under the ground.
What causes earthquakes?
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the earth’s crust. This energy is released when two plates of the earth’s surface move against each other. The bigger the rock mass, the more energy it takes to cause an earthquake.
How can you prepare for an earthquake?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to prepare for an earthquake may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. However, some tips on how to prepare for an earthquake include:
1. Make a plan. Before an earthquake strikes, make sure you have a plan in place for what to do if it happens. Have an evacuation plan ready, know where to find safety shelters, and have a list of contacts you can reach if necessary.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, be aware of your surroundings and keep alert for any unusual activity or vibrations. If you feel something is wrong, don’t wait – evacuate immediately!
3. Store important documents and items in a safe place. Include copies of important documents such as passports and driver’s licenses, important medications, cash reserves, important photos and memorabilia, and anything else that could be valuable if disaster strikes. Store these items in a safe location that is accessible in case of an emergency.
4. Be prepared for power outages. In the event of an earthquake, power outages are likely to occur throughout the affected area – so be prepared
The University of Utah Earthquake Map
The University of Utah Earthquake Map is a great resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about earthquakes. The map includes information on the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in the area, as well as the damage that has been caused by them.
If you’re looking for a map of the University of Utah campus during last night’s earthquake, you’ve come to the right place. The map below shows the areas that were affected by the quake and Earthquake Info has also created a list of shelters open across Utah. Make sure to check out their website for more information on what is happening in your area.