The Anaheim Fire: Chemicals and Public-Health Risks
Recently, Anaheim and surrounding areas were subjected to a massive state of confusion caused by a smoldering chemical fire.
Houses were evacuated, leaving precious possessions and pets behind. The roads were completely jammed due to closure of a few freeway miles, and workers spent two to four extra hours reaching home. Children were left overtime at the baby-sitters while mothers frantically tried to reach them. Many sports fans were late to the Angels game. The California Highway Patrol and local officials were taxed beyond their limits and had to call for national help.
People of Southern California, stop and realize what we experienced. This was a minor, localized problem. Visualize for a moment the effects of a war with the possibility of a nuclear bomb somewhere in Southern California.
Our Civil Defense and all agencies would be unable to cope with even a minor war.
We must not allow this to occur here or anywhere in our country. New solutions to the world’s problems must be found without resorting to war as a method of conflict resolution.
PAT MCVEIGH
Fullerton
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