Utah's invisible flood risk
Alluvial Fans

Where are Utah's Fans?
The State of Utah’s Flood Hazard Atlas has published the beta version of an interactive alluvial fan hazard map. Areas marked in red show areas of potentially higher risk based on surface investigations indicating active fan development. Click here to go to the interactive map site.

The video below discusses alluvial fans in Utah and how reduce risk from floods, mudflows, and debris flows.

Increased Risk After Fire
If your community is located below a burn scar less than 5 years old take the following measures to reduce the risk to lives and property.
- Contact the State of Utah's Flood After Fire response group. This group has resources to help stabilize soil and reduce runoff, and potential flood risk.
- Plan and publicize evacuation routes for populated areas
- Encourage your residents and businesses to consider flood insurance.
Information For
Alluvial Fans and FEMA floodplain maps

The NFIP identifies alluvial fan hazards on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) as Zone AO and provides information on flood depths and flood velocities. Construction requirements for structures located in Zones AO include they be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement resulting from flooding and debris, elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) above the highest adjacent grade, use of flood damage-resistant materials below the lowest floor, properly installed flood openings in foundation enclosures, and providing adequate protection from high-velocities or debris loads.
Mitigation Best Practices
For Communities, Counties, and Tribal Lands with Alluvial Fans
Alluvial fans pose unique flood hazards, including high-velocity flows, active processes of erosion, sediment and debris transport, and unpredictable flood paths and depths. It is important to understand the hydrology of individual alluvial fans in order to safely develop on or around them. This is done by identifying areas of active erosion, deposition and high flood risk.
Delineating which areas of alluvial fan flooding present a significant risk to life or property typically requires someone with expertise in several fields related to geology, hydrology, and geomorphology. Often, delineating an alluvial fan is a collaborative effort involving multiple experts to ensure accurate assessment.
The results of such a study are usually stored and mapped in a spatial data program (GIS or Geographic Information System). Within a GIS, the alluvial fan hazard can be shown with other layers of information such as land use and zoning to aid in making planning, regulation, and permitting decisions.
The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) Geologic Hazards Program can assist Utah communities by providing unbiased scientific information so informed decisions can be made regarding alluvial fans and other geologic hazards.
The UGS Geologic Hazards Program has published a guide for investigating geologic hazards in Utah, as well as preparing engineering-geology reports, and the following suggested approach to geologic-hazard ordinances in Utah:
Bowman, SD, 2020, and Lund, WR editors, Guidelines for investigating geologic hazards and preparing engineering-geology reports, with a suggested approach to geologic-hazard ordinances in Utah, second edition: Utah Geological Survey Circular 128, p. 1-14.
Click here to access the publication
In addition, the UGS offers the following services:
- Aiding in preparing master plans and ordinances addressing geologic hazards
- Preparing maps showing areas subject to geologic hazards (cooperative funding is generally required)
- Reviewing geologic hazards reports for essential public facilities (police and fire stations, water tanks, schools)
UGS also helps Utah communities immediately during and after geologic hazard events. UGS geologists can advise emergency-response officials on the nature of the hazard and the likelihood for short- and long-term recurrence.
For more information call Adam McKean, UGS Geologic Hazards Program Manager, at [email protected]
FEMA’s alluvial fan delineation process results in mapped portions of fans that represent areas subject to a 1 percent chance per year occurrence of flood or mudflow. These areas have a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Studies following FEMA guidance can then be mapped as an AO Zone on floodplain maps. AO Zones signify shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet flow, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. The FEMA alluvial fan floodplain delineation guidelines are based on a three-stage process outlined in the National Research Council’s (NRC) report, Alluvial Fan Flooding (NRC, 1996).

Millcreek, UT has a fan mapped according to FEMA guidelines.
Click here to see FEMA guidance regarding alluvial fan mapping.

Illustration from the NRC's "Alluvial Fan Flooding"
Click here to see access the NRC report, Alluvial Fan Flooding (NRC, 1996).
- Utah Geological Survey has studied and mapped geologic hazards in many Utah quadrangles. Maps and reports are available through the UGS Maps and Publications directory.

UGS Flood Hazard Map of the Moab Quadrangle
2. Utah Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has developed a GIS dataset of alluvial fans that shows younger potentially active fan deposition areas. The data represent potential active alluvial deposition areas with probable risk from flooding, mudflows and debris flows. The study evaluated areas of private land ownership only. Fans in federal, state, and tribal administered lands were not mapped. Older alluvial fans are not represented but can still pose a flooding risk. Due to the broad scale of this study, not every active fan on private land in the state may have been identified, and flooding and debris flow risk associated with alluvial fans may exist beyond the limits of the defined areas.
Moreover, the DEM fans have not undergone sufficient study to be used for regulatory purposes. Instead they should be used to make people aware of the extent of potential risk and as suggested candidates for future detailed flood risk studies. Once the fans are more accurately delineated by a licensed professional or team of professionals, high risk fan apexes and meandering flow path zones could be viewed along with FEMA’s regulatory flood zones to help define or refine zoning boundaries.
Click here to see an interactive map showing DEM's alluvial fan dataset.
Most communities employ a combination of regulations, zoning, and ordinances to lower the risk from floods, mudflows, and debris flows on alluvial fans.
Communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program have minimum standards for regulation on Special Flood Hazard Areas that sometimes overlap with alluvial fan locations. However, NFIP standards are geared solely toward flooding. They do not adequately address mudflows or debris flows. For more information on NFIP standards, click here.
The following measures are commonly adopted or considered for areas associated with alluvial fan risks:
For undeveloped land:
- Detailed mapping of flood hazards on the alluvial fan should be required before any development is approved.
- Consider mitigation actions ahead of planned development
- Require active fan areas to be designated as open space and only allowing trails and other passive uses.
For areas slated for development:
- Require a comprehensive engineering-geology and geotechnical engineering investigation be performed by licensed professionals for all development.
- Require developers to design and install engineered drainage systems to manage runoff and sediment flow.
- Implement stricter building codes for structures on alluvial fans, including elevated foundations and flood-resistant materials.
- Require developers to create and maintain emergency response plans.
- Consider limiting new development and/or significant redevelopment on the most at risk zones.
- Introduce development fees on fans to help pay for structural mitigation
- Facilitate public education: Current and potential residents should be informed about the risks associated with living on an alluvial fan
- Consider adopting a geologic ordinance to address risk in areas not identified as Special Flood Hazard Area on floodplain maps
For areas that are already developed:
- Ensure roads, utilities, and other infrastructure are designed to withstand potential flooding and debris flows.
- Create a buy-back program to purchase existing properties and convert them to open space and prohibit new construction and reconstruction.
- Conduct ongoing monitoring of fan dynamics and adjust studies as needed (for example, after a severe fire in the upstream watershed)
- Facilitate public education: Current and potential residents should be informed about the risks associated with living on an alluvial fan.
- Consider adopting a geologic ordinance to address risk in areas not identified as Special Flood Hazard Area on floodplain maps.
The following model ordinances were created to help municipalities and counties address flooding, mudflow and debris flow.
1. The State of Utah's model ordinances reflect FEMA's minimum regulation standards and/or community higher standards for flood damage prevention and reduction. Contact Utah's State Floodplain Manager to find out about Sample Ordinances for floodplain management.
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2. The Utah Geologic Survey (UGS) model ordinance protects the health, safety, and welfare of citizens by minimizing the adverse effects of alluvial fan and other geologic hazards. Enforcement provisions should be added to ensure that mitigation requirements are implemented. Where master plans and zoning ordinances have already been adopted, amendments can be used to address geologic hazards.
The International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) form the basis for most building codes adopted in the United States. Each community’s building codes can vary from these model codes, so coordination with local building officials is necessary to confirm which requirements apply in a given community. The IRC provides prescriptive solutions with minimal need for a designer or architect. The IBC can be used to design homes, but it is used primarily for buildings and commercial structures.
Utah has adopted the IRC and IBC but has modified the national code through amendments and additions. The adoption of these codes plus amendments and additions can be found under Title 15A, the State Construction and Fire Codes Act. Click here.
Communities participating in the NFIP adopt additional ordinances for floodplain management in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Local officials might want to adopt and enforce floodplain management and building code requirements for substantial improvements in defined alluvial fan hazard areas as well. Moreover, they might want to design higher standards (for example, requiring open foundations designed to resist debris impact).
International Residential Code
The International Residential Code (IRC) provides guidelines for building safe and resilient homes, including protection against various natural hazards. While the IRC doesn't specifically use the term "debris flows," it does address related issues like landslides, mudslides, and flood protection. Here are some key points on how the IRC advises protecting homeowners from these hazards:
- Site selection and assessment: The IRC emphasizes the importance of proper site selection and assessment. It recommends avoiding building in areas prone to landslides, mudflows, or other geological hazards whenever possible.
- Grading and drainage: The code provides guidelines for proper grading and drainage around the home to direct water away from the foundation and reduce the risk of soil saturation that could lead to landslides or debris flows.
- Retaining walls: In areas where slopes need to be stabilized, the IRC provides specifications for the design and construction of retaining walls to help prevent soil movement.
- Foundation design: The code includes requirements for foundation design in areas susceptible to soil movement, including the use of deeper foundations or specialized systems like pier and beam foundations.
- Structural reinforcement: In high-risk areas, the IRC may recommend additional structural reinforcement to help buildings withstand the lateral forces associated with debris flows or landslides.
- Flood-resistant construction: While not specific to debris flows, the IRC's flood-resistant construction requirements can help protect homes from the water and debris associated with these events.
- Material selection: The code may specify the use of more durable materials in areas prone to debris flows or similar hazards.
- Setbacks: The IRC often includes requirements for setbacks from steep slopes or other high-risk areas to provide a buffer zone between the home and potential hazards.
Click here to see all flood provisions from both the IRC and IBC.
ASCE 24
ASCE 24—published by the American Society of Civil Engineers—defines the minimum requirements and expected performance for the siting and design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas that are subject to building code requirements. Also called Flood Resistant Design and Construction ASCE 24 offers a higher standard of practice for building in an alluvial fan. If ASCE 24 is not required, developers and property owners should still consider the hazards posed by alluvial fans to make informed design and construction decisions. Foundations should be deeply embedded and include open pile or column foundations that are enhanced to resist scour, high-velocity flood and mudflow, and debris impact. In addition to proper foundation design, the site should be graded to convey sheet flow or include up-fan flood control structures to divert flow. This may provide some protection, but control structures should not divert flow onto other properties. Finally, basements should not be constructed on known high risk areas of an alluvial fan.
For more on ASCE 24 click here.
Click here for a checklist which guides floodplain managers, building officials, and designers as they compare the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program to the flood provisions of the 2021 edition of the International Codes (I-Codes) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reference standard ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction.
If development already exists on an alluvial fan, one option is whole-fan and/or local protection structures designed to mitigate the risk of hazards to existing development on an alluvial fan. Whole-fan mitigation activities include large structural measures such as levees, channels, detention basins, and debris basins, which divert water and debris flow around the entire fan to avoid developed areas. Local protection efforts include debris fences, dikes, and channels, which reduce the formation of new flow paths and relocate existing flow paths to avoid developed areas. A combination of whole-fan and local protection activities will reduce risk on an alluvial fan, although it is important to know that it does not eliminate all risk. It is still important to educate homeowners and business owners of the risks associated with an alluvial fan so they can make informed decisions regarding their property.
Here are some key mitigation structures that can help protect against alluvial fan flooding:
- Debris basins: These are large excavated areas designed to catch and store debris flows and sediment before they reach developed areas. They help reduce the impact of floods by trapping large rocks, trees, and other debris.
- Check dams: A series of small dams built across the channels on an alluvial fan can help slow down water flow and trap sediment. This reduces the erosive power of floods and the amount of debris carried downstream.
- Channel lining: Lining channels with concrete or other erosion-resistant materials can help contain flood waters and prevent channel migration, which is common in alluvial fan flooding.
- Levees and flood walls: These structures can be built along channels to contain flood waters and protect adjacent developed areas. However, they must be carefully designed to account for the unpredictable nature of alluvial fan flooding.
- Diversion structures: These can include channels or barriers designed to redirect flood waters away from vulnerable areas and towards safer discharge locations.
- Retention and detention basins: These are large depressions designed to temporarily store flood waters, reducing peak flows downstream. Retention basins hold water permanently, while detention basins drain slowly after floods.
- Grade control structures: These are used to stabilize the channel bed and prevent excessive erosion, which can exacerbate flooding.
- Debris flow barriers: These are specially designed structures, often made of steel nets or concrete, that can catch and retain debris flows while allowing water to pass through.
- Elevated structures: In some cases, buildings and infrastructure can be elevated above the expected flood levels to reduce damage.
- Permeable pavements and bioswales: These green infrastructure solutions can help reduce runoff and promote infiltration, potentially reducing the severity of smaller flood events.
The effectiveness of these structures depends on proper design, maintenance, and the specific characteristics of the alluvial fan and its watershed. A comprehensive flood mitigation strategy involves a combination of these structures along with non-structural measures like zoning regulations, early warning systems, and evacuation plans.

After severe fires alter conditions on an upstream watershed, communities on alluvial fans should prepare for highly elevated risk. High-intensity wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—a process that may take five years or more.
Visit the Utah Division of Emergency Management’s Flood Reference Guide for more information on how communities can manage imminent flood risk, disaster response and recovery. Click here.
Post-Wildfire Exception for Flood Insurance
By law, there is a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase until flood insurance coverage takes effect. However, on a case by case basis, the 30-day waiting period may not apply to new policies (or endorsements that add or increase coverage) when the following requirements are met:
- The insured property is privately-owned and experiences damage caused by flood that originated on federal land
- Post-wildfire conditions on federal land caused or worsened the flooding
- The policyholder purchased the policy either:
- Before the fire containment date; or
- During the 60-calendar-day period following the fire containment date.
If your community participates in the National Flood insurance Program, find out if the Post-Wildfire Exception for purchasing flood insurance is in effect and let your community know. The federal agency responsible for the land on which the post- wildfire conditions existed determines the fire containment date, which will determine the expiration of the exception.
- Click here for more information on the Post-Wildfire Exception.
- Click here for up-to-date information on active wildfires on federal land, including start and containment dates. InciWeb the Incident Information System (wildfire.gov)
Post-Wildfire Social Media Toolkit
Your citizens need to know that they live in conditions of heightened risk. Click on the link below to get templates for social posts, infographics, video, and more that will help keep your citizens informed about post-wildfire flood risk.
Click here for the Flood After Fire Outreach Kit
Post-Wildfire Team
Utah’s Post Wildfire Team provides support to communities affected by wildfires. This group brings together all the state and federal agencies with resources to assist impacted communities to recover from the disaster, rehabilitate the affected area, and mitigate risk from flood after fire and future wildfire danger.
The Wildfire Team's website wildfire.utah.gov was designed to help Utahns recover after wildfires. The website includes information to mobilize your community, information on wildfire hazards, rehabilitation, mitigation, and financial assistance.
The Post-Wildfire Team is available for a virtual or in-person meeting with your community whenever you are ready. We can meet with just the community leaders and emergency managers and/or participate in a public meeting to educate your community about post‐wildfire hazards and recovery strategies and answer questions affected homeowners may be asking. The team can also help you coordinate and secure assistance from community volunteers and local organizations like churches, non‐profits, and businesses.
To get the help of the Post-Wildfire Team, contact Kathy Holder, Team Lead, [email protected] 385-315-3566
Emergency Operations Plans
The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. Prompt action and warnings can save lives, minimize physical damage to structures and property, and allow for better resilience.
At a minimum, a community on a high- risk alluvial fan should include the following in their emergency plan:
- Known hazard analysis should include what is known about risk and history of damaging floods, mudflows and debris flows.
- Describe chain of command, and coordination of decision making during a community emergency.
- Discuss how best to reach residents with emergency alerts and warnings.
- What shelter facilities exist in case of the need for evacuations?
- What are the evacuation routes available for residents on the fan?
- What response resources are available in case there is a debris flow or flood?
- What other jurisdictions (city, county, state) contacts can you call on for assistance?
Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans
If you don't have an emergency operations plan in your community, you should review your county emergency plan and mitigation plans. Some of Utah's mitigations plans can be found on the State Hazard Mitigation Plan site: https://hazards.utah.gov/hazard-mitigation-plans/
FEMA has developed a guide to creating a community emergency plan. Click here
Silver Jackets coordinates interagency teams to create collaborative solutions to state, territory, or tribal flood risk priorities. They also have created a resource to help guide the creation of emergency plans. Click here.
If your community would like some help developing an emergency plan through Silver Jackets, contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District, Email, 916-557-7009
This Emergency Plan Template (adapted from Arundel County, MD’s template) can serve as a framework for smaller community members to start to build or refine an emergency plan. This helpful resource provides instructions [in brackets] where you can add your community's specific information. Click here for template.
Communities with significant development on alluvial fans should have functioning public alert and warning systems to inform residents and property owners of imminent or ongoing threats from floods, mudflows or debris flows.
IPAWS stands for Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. It is FEMA's national system for alerting the public to emergencies and life-saving information. IPAWS uses Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and NOAA Weather Radio to send alerts. More than 1,600 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities use IPAWS to issue critical public alerts and warnings in their jurisdictions. There is no cost to send messages through IPAWS; however, there may be costs to acquire compatible alert origination software that meets IPAWS requirements.
Click here to go to FEMA’s IPAWS website. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system
Click here for job aide on IPAWS.
For more information, contact the IPAWS Project Management Office at [email protected].
Funding is available for program for alert systems. The Next Generation Warning System Grant Program (NGWSGP) is a program that helps improve the security and resilience of public broadcasting systems and networks. Find out more.
For Property Owners on Fans
According to a National Association of Realtors study, Utah statutes and regulations do not require a real estate seller to disclose information to a prospective buyer on a specified form or requiring specific flood-related disclosures. Therefore, as a prospective homebuyer, you should research your risk before purchasing.
Check for geologic hazards:
- Some geologic hazard maps are available: Utah Geological Surveys and local government agencies provide maps showing areas prone to hazards like earthquakes, landslides, or floods. https://hazards.geology.utah.gov/.
- Consult a licensed geologist or geotechnical engineer: These professionals can assess the property and surrounding area for potential risks.
- Check your local building codes: Areas with known geologic hazards often have specific building requirements to mitigate risks.
- Research historical events: Look into past floods, debris flows, mudflows, or other geological events in the area.
- Inspect the property carefully: Look for signs of land movement, such as cracks in foundations or leaning trees.
- Review insurance requirements: High-risk areas may have specific insurance needs, like flood or earthquake coverage.
- Check with local planning departments: They may have additional information about area-specific risks.
Check for flood hazards:
Even flood hazard mapping is still incomplete for the entire state of Utah. However, by checking the following sources, a prospective buyer can have a better understanding of risk and options for mitigation.
- Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website to access flood maps. These maps show high risk riverine flood hazard zones. However, be aware that these areas often do not include unmapped alluvial fan risk. Contact your local or state floodplain management office for information on flood risks, base flood level, and elevation certificates in the area of your property. Ask about past flood events.
- Review local planning documents and maps to see if there are any flood control projects or zoning regulations that could impact flood risk.
- Review any property disclosure statements provided by the seller, which may include information about past flooding or water damage. Just know that Utah real estate agents are not under any legal obligation to find out if a property is at risk for debris flow or flooding.
- Speak with neighbors about their experiences with flooding. They can provide insights into the area’s flood history and drainage issues.
Property owners on alluvial fans are encouraged to purchase flood insurance but to carefully read the fine print on what is covered. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policies cover direct physical damage as the result of flooding defined in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP).
What is covered
Flooding and mudflows are covered as long as the flood conforms to the coverage definition. According to the NFIP, floods are specifically defined as “an overflow of inland or tidal waters or an unusual accumulation of surface water runoff”. Mudflows are defined as flows of liquid mud moving in a manner similar to a river of water.
What is not covered
Debris flows, mudslides, and landslides are forms of earth movement rather than flooding. As such, they are usually excluded from standard flood insurance policies. Damage from landslides, and other earth movements are also not covered.
It's worth noting that...
- The specific circumstances of each event are considered when determining coverage.
- Other types of insurance, such as some comprehensive homeowners policies or separate earth movement policies, may or may not cover debris flows.
- In some cases, if a flood directly causes a mudflow, the damage might be covered.
Given the complexity of this issue, if you're concerned about debris flow risk, it would be advisable to carefully review your existing insurance policies and consult with your insurance agent about your specific situation and coverage needs.
For more info on flood insurance click here.
Reach the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov
Residential building codes are specifically designed to ensure safety, health, and quality in homes. It is in your best interest to abide by codes as they set standards for structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire safety, protecting residents from hazards.
In mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, new construction or substantial improvement triggers the need for a floodplain permit and associated building code requirements. However, not all high-risk areas are mapped. Alluvial fans are just starting to be mapped in Utah as part of FEMA's floodplain mapping program.
Click here to find out if you are in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Utah's Division of Emergency Management has mapped potentially active areas of alluvial fans in Utah's most populated areas. Further study by a knowledgeable, licensed engineer(s) is necessary for determining the risk to your property. To see an interactive map of these potentially active fan deposition areas, click here.
Utah Geological Survey has published studies for some areas online: https://geology.utah.gov/hazards/info/publications/
Be aware that the American Society of Civil Engineers national code standard (ASCE 24-14 Chapter 3.2) does not allow new construction or substantial improvements in the highest risk areas on an alluvial fan. These high risk areas are: the apical (upper) portions of the fan, the channel migration zones, and areas with steep slopes different areas of alluvial fans. In other parts of the fan, consider elevating buildings on open foundations or armored fill, reinforcing the uphill side of structures against debris impact, and potentially building floodwalls or berms around the property— provided it does not negatively impact the floodplain and downstream properties. Talk to your local building permitting office for more information.
Beware of basements!
Many houses in Utah have basements. If a house on an active alluvial fan has a basement, this level of the house is below the flood or debris flow level and may flood and/or fill with mud. If possible, avoid sleeping in the basement. Store valuable equipment and important records on upper floors. During an event, they may suffer water damage or become buried in debris.
Keep Informed
NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information directly from nearby National Weather Service offices. NOAA radio provides the latest local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings. It also broadcasts urgent weather-related emergency information, such as tornado warnings or flash flood alerts. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring you have access to critical information at any time.
During power outages or when other communication methods fail, a battery-operated NOAA radio can still provide crucial information.
FEMA App can provide emergency and critical weather alerts. It also provides preparedness strategies, real-time weather, and shelter information. FEMA App can be downloaded on both Apple and Android phones.
Make a Comprehensive Disaster Plan
Make a comprehensive household/family plan so you know what to do and where to go to protect yourself and your household during flooding, mud or debris flows. This plan should consider shelter, clothing, light & power, water, pets, communications, important documents, medicine, money, and more.
Don't forget to sign up for your community’s warning system and evacuate if told to do so. Learn and practice evacuation routes and make plans to stay with family or friends, or check with local authorities for public sheltering options. >Never walk or drive through floodwaters. If trapped in a building, go to the highest level with a window.
Other tips for preparing for an evacuation include:
- Make an evacuation plan with your family and practice it often
- Identify where you will go and how you will get there
- Consider staying with friends or family outside of the impacted area
- Know alternate routes and transportation options
- Be ready to follow instructions from local officials
- Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing
- Take your disaster supplies kit
BeReady Utah is a great resource for plans and other disaster preparedness information.
Build a Ready Kit
Prepare a “Go Bag”: Because alluvial fan flooding and debris flows are often triggered by short, intense storms (i.e., a thunderstorm or “cloudburst” storm), residents need to be ready to evacuate their home at short notice. Having a “Go Bag” that includes shelf-stable food, water, flashlights, warm clothes, and other essential items will allow residents to get to a safe location as quickly as possible. In addition, create a pre-thought-out, grab list that has your valuable items that are too large or impractical to have as part of your disaster supply kits.
Ideas for what to include during a quick evacuation go bags and for a more considered evacuation grab list can be found on the BeReadyUtah site.