Over the years, Los Angeles County has experienced many disasters ranging from earthquakes and fires to mudslides and epidemics. While nobody can predict when the next major event will occur, this much we know for sure: With more than 10.1 million residents living in an area measuring 4,089 square miles, The Department of Public Health will need the assistance of the community to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
In a disaster, the people that surround you – your neighbors – will be the ones you and your family turn to for immediate help. And, very likely, they will turn to you.
The greater the devastation, the more you will need each other.
Emergency responders such as firefighters, utilities and healthcare providers will have more calls than they can handle. In some cases, the facilities housing them may have been damaged. In others, travel response times may be increased due to debris blocking the routes. Emergency responders may not be able to reach everyone who needs help in the first few hours, or even days.
A neighborhood that is educated in the proper emergency response procedures will suffer fewer serious injuries, less loss of life and reduced property damage.
Recent events around the world have taught us the importance of connecting with your neighbor. It is key to survival.
