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Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
FEMA recommends that disaster readiness kits have enough supplies to last for at least three days, per person.
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Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
If you live in Southern California, you’ve thought about it this week: “What’s happening in Japan could have happened to us.” Still, most people lack a basic emergency plan and emergency supplies.
Scott Sangster has owned his Los Feliz house for about seven years. He says he and his family have always planned to prepare their house for a natural disaster, but never really followed through.
Disaster preparedness consultant Christal Smith says procrastination like that isn't unusual.
"It has to do with mostly denial," she said. "And also a feeling of hopelessness. When you do sit down and really start to take a look at what you might need, it's overwhelming. It makes you just want to just say, 'Oh, forget it.'"
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FEMA recommends residents prepare for three days without help, per person. In Sangster's case, that means four people total, plus their dog.
He isn't alone. In the days following the Japan earthquake, Smith's business has seen a dramatic increase in calls.
"Now that people can actually visualize it, there's been a big turn. A lot of people are coming to me," she said.
"Some of the best advice I got from Christal cost nothing to do," Sangster said. "If a disaster strikes when you're separated, how do you re-connect? Where do you meet? It doesn't require any online shopping. I'm motivated."
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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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