by Dr. ChrisAnn Mink

In Los Angeles County the question is not whether a major disaster will happen, but when. Experts expect an earthquake measuring 7.0 or greater in the next 30 years. The area is prone to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. Infectious disease outbreaks and terrorist attacks are also possible.

Though aware of the risks, less than half of the population is prepared for such emergencies.

Surveys show Hispanic communities are least prepared of all.

Only 38 percent of Latino households reported having a disaster plan, the lowest of any ethnic or racial group, according to the LA County Department of Public Health’s Community Health Assessment 2014. In a county of 10 million people where 48 percent are Latinos, millions could be left in peril.

“We have water,” said Benito Salgado, when asked if his family was prepared. But that’s about it. Salgado immigrated from Mexico 11 years ago. His wife and their children, ages 6 and 8, do not have an emergency kit — nor do nearly two-thirds of their East LA neighbors.

South LA and East LA have the highest percentage of Latino residents — 68 percent and 73.5 percent, respectively. Those two districts are home to nearly 2.3 million people, and many are immigrants. They also have high rates of poverty. The central regions have more diverse and co-mingled populations. Coastal areas have mostly white residents who are more prosperous.

 

Read more (CaliforniaHealthLine.org)