BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The twin hurricanes that pounded the Gulf Coast have changed how many people in the United States look at disaster preparedness.
Outraged by the government's botched response to Hurricane Katrina, civilians and government officials are saying "We are on our own," The Washington Post reported.
"I had this basic belief that help would be there, but watching Katrina I realized it's not going to be there, and I have responsibility for my kids," said San Francisco-area resident Maureen Katz.
After meeting with neighbors to discuss disaster preparations, her family filled a waterproof box with a four-day supply of food, water and other items.
In Memphis, there is talk of positioning food caches in preparation for a major earthquake. In New Jersey, the governor is reviewing the security of chemical plants.
Los Angeles officials are now urging residents to increase their stock of food and water to five to seven days.
Sandra Hutchens, director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office of Homeland Security, said officials are rethinking evacuation plans and temporary housing.
"The hurricanes brought home how much work we still have to do," she said.
