Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Alex Cabrero Reporting"Assuming if people are prepared for that, they'll be prepared for anything."
September 11th, the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina -- tonight a poll asking Utahns, if they're ready for a disaster. In just a few days we'll all be marking the 5th anniversary, of the September 11th attacks. Since then, we've become more aware tragedies can happen, but are we any better prepared for them?
We've all heard how important it is to be prepared. In fact, it's hard to go anywhere without hearing the warning, even at a fun place like the Utah State Fair.
At the Utah State Fair it's supposed to be nothing but fun. From games to rides and lots of food, fairs are an American tradition. But something relatively new to the fair is learning how to deal with any potential tragedies and disasters.
Renee Murphy, Be Ready Utah: "The Utah frame of mind doesn't think of us as a terrorist threat area."
Renee Murphy is with Be Ready Utah, a group that helped set up booths at this year's fair, reminding us all that tragedies -- natural or not -- can happen at any time and it's good to be prepared.
Jessica Sabin says she's put together her family 72-hour emergency kit.
Jessica Sabin: "Certainly, and 9-11 was a big motivator."
According to a Dan Jones poll for KSL-TV and the Deseret Morning News, more people are also getting prepared. In 2001, 47-percent said they'd made preparations, 53-percent no. In 2002, 38-yes, 61-percent no. In 2003, more yes answers, 55-percent, while no's dipped to 45-percent. 2004, 43-percent yes and 57-no. And this year more yes's than no's, 51-percent to 48-percent.
Renee Murphy: "In the back of your mind, you know it's the right thing to do, and you should, but then it's the action part. And now we're seeing a lot more action."
In another poll, we asked Utahns if you think someone you know will one day be the victim of a terrorist attack in the U.S. 10-percent said very likely; 26-percent somewhat likely. Not very likely got the most at 47-percent, while not at all received 13-percent.
Regardless, it is a good idea to always be ready, just in case.
