Homeland Security grant going to fight terrorism

To increase the County’s ability to prevent and respond to terrorism, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $5.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 2006 Los Angeles/Long Beach Urban Area Security Grant, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

[view:node_ad=5]The grant will authorize the Department of Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, to continue to improve emergency preparedness, response, and planning capabilities as well as the purchase of the necessary equipment to respond to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and public health emergencies. Included for purchase under this grant are a mobile hospital and personal radiation equipment. “Unlike the local agencies responsible for emergency operations following hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles County is actively prepared to save lives and protect property in the event of a catastrophe,” said Antonovich. “Mutual Aid contracts and our on-going preparedness exercises test our preparedness and sharpen our ability to effectively react when disaster strikes, whether it be an earthquake, riot, biological or chemical attack.”

Parents, teachers and employers are encouraged to create their own disaster plans at home, in their neighborhoods, and at work to be prepared for all disasters. For more information on disaster preparedness visit the county’s website at espfocus.org.