22 October 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Los Agneles invited representatives from the American Red Cross (ARC) Los Angeles Region and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX to brief the Filipino-American community on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response on October 15 at the Community Hall.  

ARC International Services Coordinator Ashley Schmeltzer briefed participants on preparing for disasters and the importance of having an emergency disaster kit on-hand and creating a plan in case of disaster. FEMA Region IX External Affairs Officer Veronica Verde briefed on Management and Crisis Leadership (what to do during and after the disaster) and explained the levels of assistance provided by the Local State and by the Federal State.

Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim noted that the briefing aimed to create a culture of awareness on emergency preparedness and disaster response. This is especially true in Los Angeles County, which has more than 100 fault lines.

During the Q & A session of the briefing, Cerritos City Mayor Mark Pulido and Carson City Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina took the opportunity to invite the ARC and FEMA to their respective cities to conduct briefings. END