⛑ What to keep in your 72-hour kit

100 S. Construction

Starting today, construction will begin on 100 South between University Street and North Campus Drive. Drivers not heading to medical facilities are encouraged to use alternate routes. Construction is set to finish by Aug. 17. [Salt Lake City]

Bitter Urbanist’s Glossary

In some good satirical writing for city slickers: A Disillusioned Urban Planning Glossary. [McSweeney’s]

Salt Lake City Public Library Union

After three years of organizing, the Salt Lake City Public Library Workers United won their election with 92% approval, making them the first library workers union in the state of Utah. [Instagram]

• Related: 2025 is the year of unions. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Mother’s Day Brunch

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! This is your reminder to book your brunch reservations now for the various set menus around the valley. [Gastronomic SLC]

Living in Salt Lake means preparing for “The Big One,” or even small ones. Just last Thursday, a 3.9-magnitude earthquake rattled parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties. Do you have a 72-hour kit*? It can make all the difference in an emergency. Here’s what to include in yours.

*Salt Lake City suggests a 96-hour kit, the estimated time it will take before outside resources reach the area after a big natural disaster.

🧭 The Essentials

• Water: One gallon per person per day
• Non-perishable food: Enough for 3-4 days. Energy bars, canned goods, jerky, trail mix, and dried fruit are all great options. Freeze-dried foods are especially nice because they’re light and have a long shelf life.
• Medications: An extra supply if you take any
• Flashlight: Ideally, LED (because the bulb lasts longer) with extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight
• First aid kit: Adhesive bandages, gauze, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment
• Hygiene kit: Hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, menstrual products, glasses or extra contacts
• Copies of important documents: ID, social security card, birth certificate
• Cash: In small bills
• Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank, preferably with NOAA weather channels
• Multi-tool or pocketknife
• A change of clothes

🐶 If You Have Pets

• Pet food, water, and any medications if they take them
• Leash/harness
• Copy of vaccination records
• Waste bags

👶 If You Have Kids

• Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles
• An extra comfort toy or blanket
• Books, games, or cards to keep them entertained

✅ Extra Tips

• Store your kit in a sturdy backpack and somewhere easy to grab, like an exit.
• Refresh your kit every six months. Swap out expired food, batteries, medication, clothes for warm weather or cold weather.
• Have a game plan. Talk with members of your household about where to meet if you’re separated.