Preparedness provides the foundation of resilience, confidence and security in the face of an emergency. 

In April, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Olympus Stake, together with the Holladay and Holladay North Stakes, held a preparedness and community connection event in partnership with the city of Holladay, Unified Fire, the State of Utah, and the American Red Cross. The event empowered community members with practical skills and knowledge from top emergency preparedness experts, enabling local residents to face emergencies with clarity and confidence.

Holladay City Councilmembers Matt Durham and Drew Quinn attended, along with Emergency Manager Allison Jester, who led a breakout session on how city, county and state agencies support the community during disasters and how residents can help strengthen community resilience.

“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,” Jester said. “During response, the city primarily supports our first response partners by validating and sharing information, coordinating resources and providing policy direction to ensure the well-being of the citizens of Holladay. 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.”

The American Red Cross offered hands-on CPR and choking response demonstrations and information on their home smoke detector and fire program.

“If you would like your home smoke alarms checked, we can help. We educate residents on creating a home fire plan and replace defective alarms at no cost,” said Red Cross representative Leigha Westover. “Simply call the Red Cross to request assistance. Everyone is eligible.”

Guest speaker Shayla Egan, a three-time world marathon runner who manages a 57,000-subscriber social media account, @ldspreppergirl, shared insights on practical preparedness for families, food storage, emergency kits and effective systems. She emphasized three areas to keep in mind when gathering supplies and creating a plan.

“When preparing for an emergency, it is important to consider the specific region and the types of disasters that may occur there,” Egan said. “Utah is particularly susceptible to fires, earthquakes, flooding and winter storm emergencies. Monitoring global events, especially economic developments, is essential due to the possibility of shortages. Additionally, assessing the unique needs of each household member, such as special needs, necessary medications or age-related considerations, is critical for effective emergency planning.”

Tami Girsberger, founder of Prepare My Life, is recognized for developing an emergency preparedness planner that offers a structured, step-by-step guide for safeguarding households and families. She has identified three critical situations for which individuals should be adequately prepared.

“It won’t matter what the disaster is, you’re going to land in one of three scenarios,” Girsberger said. “You might have to ‘walk away’ with only what you can carry, ‘drive away’ with whatever is in your car, or ‘stay at home,’ possibly without electricity, water or heat. The most important thing is to respond to emergencies with clarity and confidence. Keep a handwritten, prioritized list of essential items to take if you must leave. If evacuation is necessary, start at the top of your list and take as much as possible. If you stay at home, emergency personnel may not reach everyone within three days. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least five days. Because the duration indoors is unpredictable, it is best to store at least a three-month supply of water and nonperishable food at home.”

Display tables featured emergency essentials, such as long-term food storage options and disaster supplies. Utah Fire Prevention offered fire safety education, while Utah Disaster Restoration Services shared information on post-fire, water and disaster recovery. These materials support preparedness by improving survival rates, reducing psychological trauma and accelerating community recovery during emergencies of any scale.

“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,” said event director Scott Snow. “Check your food, water and gear. Make and prioritize your list. Create a plan. Review your protocols and stay ready.”