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After Haiti's 7.0 Earthquake, L.A. County Firefighters Prepare to Help
Just three hours after the large 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti just before 2 p.m. PST, Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel are already mobilizing in case they are needed to fly out and offer aid. The 72-member team, made up of Urban Search and Rescue specialists, is referred to as California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2).
An advisory about the current action describes the team as such: "This unique technical rescue team responds with 55,000 pounds of prepackaged search and rescue tools and medical equipment to conduct around-the-clock search and rescue operations at domestic and international disasters, both natural and man-made."
"Right now it's just about mobilization," explained Inspector Steve Zermeno, who said the county received the request after 3 p.m. today. The group's help was requested by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and if given the green light, they will fly out to Haiti. Currently, the team is staging at the county's Urban Search & Rescue facility in Pacoima.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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