Life in the Beehive State is pretty fabulous, isn’t it? We have relatively safe communities, beautiful natural attractions and plenty of amenities to keep us entertained and happy most of the time. Of course, no place is perfect. Even living in Utah has some risks.
1. Getting Lost In The Wilderness
Utah's wilderness areas are so vast. Many people (and kids, too), have become lost out there. Some were found safely...others weren't. It's always smart to stick with a group out there and remember that, even though that beautiful hiking trail is just an hour from your house, it's still in the middle of a remote, immense area.
2. Earthquake
If you grew up in Utah like I did, you've heard about "The Big One" since you were a little kid. Seismologists predict that we're due for a devastating earthquake...some time in the next 100 years or so.
3. Rattlesnake Bite
Actually, you're much more likely to just be scared silly by a rattler than die from a bite. Utahns only reported 11 rattlesnake bites in 2014, and there hasn't been a death in Utah due to a rattlesnake bite since 1961. Still, it's always good to pay attention while you're hiking. Don't put your hands on a ledge you can't see, for instance, and never, ever pick up one of these guys. Turns out they don't appreciate your desire to cuddle.
4. Shopping At A Big Box Store On A Saturday
No, the shopping itself isn't risky. The real risk is that the sheer multitudes of errant children running through the store will drive you to commit a felony, and you'll spend the rest of your life at the Point of the Mountain.
5. Hitting A Deer
These little guys certainly don't look dangerous, but when one jumps out right in front of your car, bad things can happen. The impact can injure you, but hitting the side of the mountain (or going off the cliff) when you swerve can be deadly.
6. Rush Hour Traffic
From fender benders to fatal accidents to just raising your blood pressure, I-15 through the Salt Lake Valley at rush hour can certainly be hazardous to your health.
7. Flash Flood
Flash floods are one of Utah's most deadly natural disasters. In September, 2015 alone, flash flooding was responsible for the deaths of 20 Utahns. Utah's slot canyons are simply stunning, but they're also very dangerous during rainstorms.
8. Breathing During Winter Months
Breathing the air in some parts of Utah when an inversion is present can be hazardous to your health. Schools keep kids indoors at recess, and pregnant, elderly or those with respiratory issues (such as asthma) are at risk for health problems.
9. Moose Attack
Run into a grumpy moose on a hiking trail (especially during the rut), and you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Your best move is to give the guy the right-of-way and hope he doesn't charge...there's nothing scarier than 1,000 pounds of Moose coming at you!
10. Wildfire
Utah's brave firefighters are more likely to be injured or killed by wildfires in Utah, but they're always dangerous.
11. Fries And Fry Sauce
It's soooo hard not to eat these every day when you live in Utah. Because not only do our local restaurants make some crazy good fries, they offer up Utah fry sauce on the side. I'm not going to lecture you about heart disease...because this is one risk I'm willing to take.
So what if Utah has a few risks? My heart will always be in the Beehive State, and here are 15 reasons .
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