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How Prepared is Los Angeles For a Natural Disaster?
Image by Kelly Hironaka via Shutterstock
City Controller Wendy Greuel isn't missing an opportunity to take a critical look at Los Angeles' emergency response plans after Hurricane Irene took most of the East Coast out of commission this weekend. She has announced an audit of L.A.'s current emergency disaster preparedness plans."The destruction and wreckage along the East Coast remind us that natural disasters, including earthquakes, flash floods and fires can hit at any time and ravage communities," said Greuel, via a news release.
The audit, which is expected to take three to six months to complete, will examine what measures are in place to help the city and its residents get through a major earthquake or other disaster. In 2008, a similar audit revealed the the City lacked an overall strategic plan to respond to a natural disaster, and while Greuel acknowledges there are new emergency preparedness directives being put in place, she says she wants "to make sure Los Angeles gets this right."
For our part, Greuel suggests all Angelenos check their emergency supplies to ensure all households have things like flashlights, batteries, canned food, bottled water, and evacuation plans at the ready. Need some help with that? After last week's East Coast earthquake, Los Angeles County officials shared their 7 tips for being prepared for an earthquake. Or: Take a CERT class!
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