LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The city controller of Los Angeles announced Monday a plan to review the city’s emergency preparedness in the event of a natural disaster following Hurricane Irene’s damage on the East Coast.

KNX 1070′s Claudia Peschiutta reports the announcement comes in response to a simple question from City Controller Wendy Greuel: is L.A. ready for a natural disaster?

Greuel said she would spearhead an audit of the city’s emergency disaster plans, a move the controller’s office determined in 2008 an overall plan for natural disaster response was lacking.

The office of the city controller conducts audits and recommends improvements to ensure city operations continue to run effectively, she added.

“The destruction and wreckage along the East Coast remind us that natural disasters, including earthquakes, flash floods and fires can hit at any time and ravage communities,” Greuel said.

The audit is expected to take three to six months to complete.

Greuel also reminded residents to keep basic emergency supplies handy, such as flashlights, batteries, canned food and water.

For more information, visit the City Controller’s website.