Donald Trump

Mayor Garcetti Goes For a Spin in Earthquake Simulator

The mayor said that while a lot's been done to get ready, there's still much more to do.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and first lady Elaine Wakeland hosted an earthquake preparedness event Friday at the Getty House in Hancock Park, the mayor's official residence.

The pair stepped into an earthquake simulator to feel what "the big one" could be like.

"It was a good reminder we've all become complacent. How many of us have the seven days of water? For each one of us? At our homes? How many have talked with our families about where we're going to meet?," Garcetti said.

Mayor Garcetti and earthquake expert Dr. Lucy Jones touted the improvements made citywide since Northridge in 1994 and also issued a stern reminder of what should already be in place in Angelenos' homes.

"We all know that the next major earthquake in Southern California is a 'when,' not an 'if.' And Angelenos understand that we must be prepared in our homes, workplaces, schools and everywhere that people we love spend their days," Garcetti said.

The talk circled around funding for the early warning system that's on the chopping block in President Donald Trump's first budget request. Dr. Jones explained the need for the science behind the system.

"It really helps us understand and understanding is the first step to changing," Dr. Jones said.

The mayor said that while a lot's been done to get ready, there's still much more to do, including some 6,000 buildings that have yet to be considered earthquake-safe.

"We just pray that the earthquake doesn't come before we finish this work," Garcetti said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us