Many important factors come into play when preparing for a local disaster. Creating an emergency preparedness plan ensures everyone in the community knows how to react, where to go, and how to communicate if systems fail. To enhance Holladay's readiness for a disaster large or small, the annual Neighbors-Prepared Fair will be held Friday, April 24, at the Olympus Stake Center. 

The fair is sponsored and organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Olympus, Holladay and Holladay North Stakes, in partnership with the city of Holladay, Salt Lake County, Unified Police, Unified Fire and local religious organizations.

“Waiting until an emergency happens is too late to start planning,” event director Scott Snow shares on the Neighbors-Prepared.org website. “By taking simple steps now—like building a grab-and-go bag and learning essential skills—you can protect your family and face any situation with confidence. We help families and individuals prepare for emergencies through education and community support. Neighborhood volunteers help promote and host annual preparedness events to help the community stay ready.” 

As of March 7, the Map of Utah Earthquakes Today website reports that Utah experienced one earthquake in the past 24 hours, six in the past seven days, 43 in the past 30 days, and 433 in the past 365 days. Earthquake magnitudes in early 2026 ranged from -0.4 to 3.5, with significant seismic activity near Fairview and Lehi, as well as a 3.5-magnitude event in West Valley City.

The Wasatch Fault Zone is a 240-mile-long active normal fault and is considered one of the most dangerous in the U.S.—and by extension, the world. The Utah Seismic Safety Commission’s online survival guide, ‘Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country,’ highlights that over 85% of Utah’s population lives within 15 miles of the Wasatch fault. In addition, 75% of Utah’s economy and most state facilities are near the fault line. 

The Working Group on Utah Earthquake Probabilities, formed by the Utah Geological Survey, a Utah Department of Natural Resources division, recently evaluated the likelihood of significant earthquakes occurring in the Wasatch Front region. Their findings indicate a 57% probability that the Wasatch Front will experience an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or greater within the next 50 years and a 43% probability of a quake reaching magnitude 6.75 or higher during that same timeframe.

What could a 6.75 earthquake potentially look like in Holladay City?

The Wasatch fault cuts directly through Holladay, threatening the area with catastrophic ground shifts. In the event of a major quake, devastating vertical offsets could severely impact certain neighborhoods. The steep slopes of the East Bench, a defining feature of the region, are susceptible to landslides. Liquefaction is more prevalent in the lower valley but remains a hazard in areas with elevated water tables. Essential utilities such as water, electricity, gas and sewer services are likely to be disrupted for extended periods. Water pipelines from the eastern mountains face a high risk of substantial damage. Holladay Emergency Management coordinator Allison Jester supports creating a strong and robust community to address potential disaster in Holladay City.  

According to Jester, members of the community need to know and understand what an emergency response system looks like for them and know there’s a system in place in the event of disaster at the local level, county level, state level and national level. Jester said, “The Holladay community would survive a disaster. The key questions are: How would residents survive? And how would residents recover?”

“Preparedness is a cooperative activity,” Jester said. “Every individual, family and business that is prepared enhances the resiliency of our community so that we can respond and recover faster and better. These grassroots efforts, put on by amazing volunteers, are essential to that mission. Holladay City appreciates their partnership, vision, and community-based approach.”

 Events to be held this year during the Neighbors-Prepared Fair

Dan Clark, one of the world's top motivational speakers, will serve as master of ceremonies during the fair. Recognized in the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and as a New York Times best-selling author of 37 books, he is an expert in decisive motivation, resilience, leading through change and story selling. In addition, a well-known guest speaker will share tips on preparedness for families and communities. Attendees can explore display booths featuring emergency preparedness information. 

The American Red Cross, Holladay City and the Great Utah Shake Out will each lead 15-minute breakout sessions for more in-depth learning. Many local community members are volunteering, including Ruth Barrett, who last year shared advice on food storage and offered samples to highlight the importance of keeping basic food supplies on hand.

“The fair is a valuable chance to learn and connect with your community,” Barrett said. “In an emergency, large or small, knowing our neighbors will be critical so we can be prepared to help each other. Presenters at this year’s fair will cover a wide range of topics and provide valuable resources. The fair will also help you to identify the supplies you already have and those you may still need as an individual or family, so you can ensure you are ready to provide your own food, water, heat and first aid. We encourage you to attend and connect with your community to ensure you are as prepared as possible.”

This year’s fair will once again include commercial vendors providing information on topics such as food and water storage and earthquake-resistant home retrofit designs. The musical entertainment and light refreshments will create a fun, inviting atmosphere.

“At our recent fair events, we estimated that about 700 people attended,” said co-event director Merrill Brimhall. “Visitors received plenty of information at the booths, and it was clear they were excited about the topic and felt more connected to the community. Kids had fun while learning, and they also enjoyed some cotton candy.”

How will the relocation of Holladay City Hall to the temporary building location in Millcreek City impact the city's disaster response capabilities?

According to Jester, when the city relocates to the temporary City Hall in April 2026, the same emergency response capabilities will still be readily available. There will be a few minor adjustments to internal operations. 

“Our Emergency Coordination Center will come with us and is set up to be flexible for a number of situations, including leaving the building on short notice,” Jester said. "Our wonderful first response partners will remain in Holladay and keep in close contact with city administration using established lines of communication."

What role does the city play in supporting the community’s response and recovery during disasters such as earthquakes or severe flooding?

Holladay City primarily supports first response partners. Jester affirms its commitment by validating and sharing information, coordinating resources and providing policy direction to ensure the well-being of Holladay's residents. The city takes a larger role in recovery by assessing community needs, spearheading a Recovery Task Force, and working with state and federal entities to secure funding and additional support as required.

Small or large, every disaster presents unique challenges and concerns. The Neighbors-Prepared Fair helps ensure the community is ready to respond swiftly and effectively when it matters most.

The Neighbors-Prepared Fair will be held at the Olympus Stake Center, 2675 E. 4430 South, on April 24 from 6:30-9 p.m.