September 26, 2003 — A moderate earthquake will strike the University of Utah campus between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., Tues., September 30, 2003, at least in theory. The drill is part of a series of ongoing studies to determine the preparedness of emergency personnel to deal with such a disaster. The epicenter of the simulated earthquake and most of the exercise activity will be located on the east plaza of U’s Marriott Library. The drill will conclude at 1 p.m.

Students and faculty will act as victims and witnesses to the mock disaster. Those who help-out will get a first-hand (or gurney-side) view of the operations inside the University Hospital’s emergency department.

Emergency crews from the U and Salt Lake City will take part and receive valuable training in dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake. Some of the agencies responding include the University of Utah Public Safety Department, Salt Lake City Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, and a variety of university departments.