Fear is big business: This store sells protection from fires, earthquakes, shooters and more
LOS ANGELES - Attorney Arezou Diarian thought she was ready for anything.
The 49-year-old mother of two had stocked her home's bedroom closets with emergency kits, each capable of sustaining a family of four for three days should a fire, earthquake or other calamity strike. Diarian had first aid supplies and search and rescue equipment. There were particulate respirators and air filters to protect against air fouled by smoke and chemicals.
Then she visited SOS Survival Products, a low-slung, windowless cinder-block building utterly lacking in curb appeal. There, Diarian found out her preparations weren't nearly good enough.
"I'm going to get an emergency kit for my office," she said "I bought a seatbelt cutter and car window breaker and pepper spray. I bought a crowbar, and I bought another first aid kit for my car."
In a modest industrial section of Van Nuys, SOS owner Jeff Edelstein caters to the
