They respond to wild land fires that affect private residences, flooding, mudslides and earthquakes. There are small earthquakes that are felt by people all the time. The larger ones are more rare but do lots more damage, says Brutsche, director of disaster services at the L.A. Red Cross chapter. After an earthquake occurs, residents still have to cope with aftershocks, a serious side effect that can cause damage as well as strike fear in residents already shaken by an earthquake s devastation. People are traumatized, Brutsche says.
Aftershocks can occur for several months, with tremors gradually becoming smaller.
The Red Cross L.A. chapter helps the community stay prepared for an earthquake by holding free preparedness courses. Instructors advise residents to anchor furniture to the floor, how to arrange household items in a safe way and what to do after a quake occurs. The Red Cross also prints awareness pamphlets in English, Spanish and several Asian languages. Much of its earthquake preparedness takes place during April, Earthquake Preparedness Month. More regular emergencies in L.A. include fires, which tend to occur in the fall after a dry summer when hot winds blow from the desert.