California hospitals are a critical element within the disaster medical response system and work collaboratively with local government, other health care providers and other agencies to plan, prepare for and respond to the needs of victims of natural or man-made disasters, bioterrorism, and other public health emergencies. Hospital emergency preparedness is a priority for government at all levels, as well as a key focus of regulatory and accrediting agencies.
We had not experienced a significant earthquake in a while … until last week when a series of quakes and aftershocks hit Southern California. It begs the question, “Is my hospital prepared?”
Recently central rural California was given a rough reminder that we live in earthquake territory. Each year the Earthquake Country Alliance hosts The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, this year on October 17. Hospitals and individuals are encouraged to register and participate in this years’ drill.
How does California prepare for the disasters we know are coming?
How do we keep this conference compelling, educational and enjoyable to attend?
What will interest you most?
What do you have to know?
FEMA’s National Integration Center has developed and released a Senior Leader Toolkit, a resource that both emergency management and senior leaders can use to discuss roles and responsibilities during incidents.
The toolkit is available on the FEMA website and includes an Elected Officials/Senior Executives Quick Reference Guide, a Department Head Quick Reference Guide, and a NIMS Senior Leader Briefing Template.
The resources linked below were developed by a federal interagency working group to address fourth generation agents, know as Novichoke or A-series nerve agents.
The findings from Governor Newsom’s strike force has been compiled into the report Wildfires and Climate Change: California’s Energy Future. The report has recommended changes to strengthen wildfire prevention and response. The strike force will continue to work this issue and take action on the the report ideas.
