Utah homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Utah's growing population and water infrastructure stress mean knowing your water system is essential. Wasatch Front homes: know both the interior shutoff and the curb stop at the street.

Gas shutoff and earthquake preparedness

Questar (now Dominion Energy Utah) serves most of Utah. Dominion Energy Utah: 1-800-323-5517. More importantly: know how to shut off the gas meter with a wrench after an earthquake. A significant Wasatch Fault earthquake will likely rupture gas lines in the affected area; every Utah home should have a wrench accessible near the meter.

Wildfire defensible space assessment

If in a Wasatch Front foothill community, canyon mouth, or any interface area: assess defensible space at move-in. Utah's Record Fire (2021), Traverse Mountain Fire, and others have burned homes in previously 'safe' areas.

Water conservation

Utah is the second-driest state in the US. Most Utah water utilities enforce irrigation schedules and restrictions. Know your zone and watering days. Overwatering in Utah wastes an increasingly scarce resource and can create foundation problems in expansive clay soils.

UV and dry air maintenance

Utah's high altitude UV index (40% higher than sea level at 4,500 feet in Salt Lake City) and low humidity (10-20%) cause rapid deterioration of exterior paint, caulking, and wood. Inspect and re-caulk exterior penetrations annually.

Roof and foundation inspection after winter

The Wasatch Front's freeze-thaw cycles (SLC averages 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year) stress roofs and foundations. Inspect for lifted shingles, cracked caulk, and foundation movement after spring thaw.

Defensible space preparation

Mow grass to 4 inches within 30 feet. Remove dead vegetation and wood debris. Screen vents with metal mesh. Know your evacuation route from canyon and foothill communities.

Red flag condition monitoring

Utah's summer red flag conditions (low humidity + high wind + dry fuel) occur dozens of times per season. Monitor NWS Salt Lake City fire weather forecasts. No outdoor burning on red flag days. Know when to pre-evacuate.

AC system maintenance

Utah summers are hot and dry; Southern Utah (St. George) regularly reaches 110°F+. Service AC before summer heat. Replace filters monthly during peak cooling season. Evaporative (swamp) coolers are common in Utah; service them in spring.

Wasatch Mountain ski area communities

Communities at altitude (Park City, Alta, Snowbird area) receive 300-500+ inches of snow annually. Roof load management, snow blower service, and emergency supplies are particularly critical in these communities.

Pipe insulation for Wasatch Front winters

Salt Lake City averages -5°F lows in cold snaps. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces before November.

The Wasatch Fault is overdue

The Utah Geological Survey estimates a magnitude 6.5-7.5 earthquake on the Wasatch Fault has a 57% probability of occurring in the next 50 years. This is the most significant urban earthquake risk in the Intermountain West. Secure water heater and furnace to studs. Anchor bookcases to walls. Store a 72-hour emergency kit. Know how to shut off gas after a quake.

Class A roofing and ember protection

Replace combustible roofing with Class A fire-resistant materials. Screen all vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember entry. Replace wood decks with composite or metal alternatives within 30 feet.

Go-bag and two-route planning

Pre-pack a go-bag with 72-hour supplies, medications, documents, and pet supplies. Know two evacuation routes from your community. Utah wildfires in canyon communities can cut off single-road communities rapidly.

After an earthquake: shut off gas, stay out

After any significant earthquake: check for gas smell. If present: everyone out, leave door open, call 911 from outside, call Dominion Energy Utah (1-800-323-5517). Do not re-enter a building with visible structural damage.

Drop, Cover, Hold On during shaking

Drop to hands and knees. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or against an interior wall (not in a doorway). Hold on until shaking stops. After: check for gas leaks and structural damage. Shut off gas if you smell any. Do not use elevators. Expect aftershocks.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at meter. Open all faucets. Utah plumber wait times after significant cold events: 24-48 hours in SLC, longer in rural areas.

Snowmelt and spring storm flooding

Do not enter flooded spaces if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Rocky Mountain Power (1-888-221-7070) to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Blizzard and wildfire-related outages

Rocky Mountain Power: 1-888-221-7070. Generator outside only, 20+ feet from any window. In summer heat outages: know your nearest cooling center. St. George outages during 110°F heat are dangerous within hours.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Dominion Energy Utah: 1-800-323-5517. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Specific outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never re-enter.