Los Angeles Residents Buying Gas Masks?

LarryXtreme

Senior member
May 16, 2001
278
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My girlfriend came across an article on Yahoo! Chinese that said Los Angeles citizens are buying water, gasoline, American flags, and GAS MASKS? WTF is that? Can anyone confirm this? I live in L.A. and I haven't noticed anyone buying gas masks! Are we in danger of germ warfare?

I know most of you won't be able to read this since it's in Chinese, but here's where she saw it:

Gas Masks Selling Quick In Los Angeles
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0
Translate:

Getting the mask ready incase an attack does happen, then at least we can wade through the debris and loot.

 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0
You know, that was the amazing part about NYC... not a single instance of looting, despite the fact that all services were around the WTC. Do you realize how easy it would have been to rob a bank, or riot and loot?

 

LarryXtreme

Senior member
May 16, 2001
278
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Rough translation of the article:

Although terrorist activity has not caused immediate damage to the city of Los Angeles, wary citizens sense danger. They are fighting to buy water and food. Gas masks and American flags are also selling so well that they are out of stock.

The owner of a store which sells life support suplies says: "I have a few customers who believe that once we identify the terrorists, Word War III will begin. But most customers remain rational." The owner also mentions that people are buying small knives, helmets, and other items which could be of use if we were attacked. Surprisingly, among these customers are lawyers, doctors, law enforcement personnel, as well as the average consumer. Everyone is terrified by the act of terrorism committed.

The owner points out that he has already sold 600 gas masks, almost 10 times the normal sales figure. Another popular item is First Aid Kits, because if there is an incident, there will be too many people seeking medical care. Treating your own wounds would be the quickest method.

Another store which sells military supplies says that their gas masks sold out in the past couple of days. The owner says: "One lady who came to buy gas masks even asked if there were gas masks for dogs."

In reality, besides emergency-related merchandise, one of the more popular items is the American flag, because in this time where the whole nation faces a common threat, the Stars and Stripes best represents unity.


Guys, that was a REAL bitch to translate, hope you REALLY enjoy it.
 

DannyLove

Lifer
Oct 17, 2000
12,876
4
76


<< Hahahahaha! Only in LA... >>

whats so funny? i live in LA and i don't have a gas mask.

whats all this "LA people"?

danny~!
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0
Thanks for the translation LarryXtreme

Actually makes sense then... probably the same explanation would apply to why firearms sales has skyrocketted in the past few days.
 

xyyz

Diamond Member
Sep 3, 2000
4,331
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0
I'm an Angelino... and I've been glued to the news... I've heard nothing in the local news that has said anything about this.
 

LarryXtreme

Senior member
May 16, 2001
278
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I think the article in general was quite boring, but I had nothing to do so....

The one part that was HILARIOUS was when the lady asked if there were gas masks for DOGS!

[Edit] Actually, I know how some people consider dogs to be a part of their families. But still....
 

samanvahedi

Member
Feb 1, 2001
187
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uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhh.........

i'm sitting here in my room in the West Los Angeles/ Beverly Hills area... nobody here is buying any gas masks...

just a lot of U.S. Flags... there is a line outside of a Sign and Banner store close to my house that sells Flags... packed!
 

KevinH

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2000
3,110
7
81
Yep, just got back from Century City. Haven't heard anything about it. Guess it's just the media REALLY, REALLY digging for any sort of story to print.
 

thaugen

Senior member
May 31, 2000
208
0
76
There was a story in the South Bay Daily Breeze about the largest military surplus store in the L.A. area, which is in the South Bay just outside of South Central, (straight outa Compton) and they sold 600 gas masks in one day. As I recall, this was compared with a normal day of 15-20. Remember, there are about 11-12 million people in this area and few surplus stores.

Bear with us; if you didn't get shot at on the 110 freeway during the Watts riots, or watch the city burn during the '92 riots, then walk a mile in our shoes first before you judge us. Been der done dat, don't own a gas mask.
 

Karaethon1

Senior member
Aug 22, 2001
439
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600 gas masks isn't a lot for Los Angeles... Hell, 6000 gas masks sold isn't a lot for Los Angeles...