Flooding killed more people in our City during the 20th Century than earthquakes. We have mountains on which we build houses, creating ideal landslide and mudflow conditions. Although we are part of a huge urban area, we have wild fires. These disasters included violent storms, flooding, wild fires, civil unrest and earthquakes. Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work, take their children to school, visit the beach, or go to ball games without incident.
Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives can be.
Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting affects - people are seriously injured, sometimes killed, and property damage runs into the billions of dollars. When a disaster occurs in Los Angeles, local responders may not be able to reach you immediately. Therefore, it is your responsibility as a resident or business owner of the City of Los Angeles to be prepared. Families and individuals who prepare can reduce the fear, anxiety and potential losses that surround disaster.