BYU HAZARDS
1. BYU is located along the Wasatch Fault, one of the most active faults in the
United States. Utah Seismograph Stations record over 700 seismic events
every year, most of which are very small. About 13 of these earthquakes
every year are of a magnitude of 3.0 to 4.0 on the Richter Scale, but cause no
damage. However, based upon geological studies, large earthquakes (6.5 7.5) occur on the Wasatch Fault about once every 400 years. According to
geologists, the chance of such a large earthquake on the Wasatch Fault
during the next 50 years is about one in five (20%).
2. In addition to the very real threat of a large earthquake, BYU could also be
affected by numerous other potential incidents, emergencies and disasters.
The following situations have been identified as possible occurrences that
need to be evaluated and addressed in any emergency planning effort at
BYU:
a. Bomb Threats/Terrorism - This threat is increasing as the Church
continues its world-wide growth. The Church, and consequently BYU,
could increasingly become a target of terrorist activities.
b. Civil Disturbances - If economic or political conditions change significantly,
BYU could be affected by civil disturbances, most likely at the instigation of
outside elements. There have been minor incidents during the last few
years, but they remained minor and were handled effectively by University
Police.
c. Energy Failures - Such incidents are common in this area of Utah, usually
as a result of natural occurrences (wind storms, snow storms, etc.).
d. Evacuations (mass) - The potential for evacuations is relatively low, unless
other major incidents occur.
e. Fires - BYU has an excellent fire prevention program, but the potential is
still there. In most instances fires would affect single buildings and be
responded to by the Provo City Fire Department, however, in the case of a
major seismic event, numerous fires could occur which would exceed the
resources available to the Provo City Fire Department.
f. Floods - Generally, flooding of BYU property would only be expected in the
unlikely event of a dam rupture. Dam failure studies for Deer Creek Dam
in the event of rupture indicate a maximum depth of 23-25 feet from the
mouth of Provo Canyon along the Orem bench to the edge of Utah Lake.
In this case low lying areas of BYU (Helaman Halls, Wyview Housing,
Richards Building, Smith Field House, etc.) would be affected.
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g. Hazardous Materials Incidents (spills) - BYU uses numerous hazardous
materials in the maintenance areas as well as the academic departments.
Thus the potential for a spill is always present.
h. Transportation Accidents - Interstate 15 is a major transportation route
carrying industrial and hazardous material cargo. In addition, a main rail
line runs through Provo. Spills along these routes probably would not
directly affect BYU but could conceivably affect BYU personnel who live in
those areas or while traveling to and from the university.
i. War (possibly with nuclear weapons) - The United States has been
blessed by being able to fight most of its wars on foreign soil, but there is
always the possibility that this could change. If so, BYU could be directly
affected. Even if war occurs in other areas of the world, activation of
reserve units or a draft could draw critical personnel away from the
University.
j. Weather Extremes - Some of the effects of weather extremes are primary
and others secondary, but both primary and secondary affects could be
devastating for large numbers of BYU personnel. The most significant
secondary affect is power failure, especially during the winter months.
k. Incidents of Violence/Threats of Violence - Usually such incidents are
small enough to be effectively managed by the University Police and/or
Student Life, however, increasingly such incidents are impacting university
campuses across the country. This plan addresses not only the
management of such events when they occur, but steps to be taken by
University personnel to prevent such incidents if the potential for such is
recognized in the developing stages.
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