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.
On his first day in office Governor Newsom announced disaster preparedness and recovery as a priority in the wake of another catastrophic fire season. Executive Order N-05-19 guides state agencies to add a socioeconomic angle to risk management. Additionally, Executive Order N-04-19 revamps the way the state contracts for technology systems.
As Wildfires Continue, CHA Encourages Members to Assist Those Impacted
Hospitals and health care facilities across the state continue to respond to, and be affected by, the devastation caused by the Camp Fire in Northern California and the Woolsey and Hill fires in Southern California. Members who wish to donate are encouraged to support the following funds managed by hospitals:
The Hospital Preparedness Program, funded by DHS, trains U.S. health care systems for disaster readiness to include exercises, training, tools, and technical assistance.
Government scientists have classified 18 U.S. volcanoes as “very high threat” because of what’s been happening inside them and how close they are to people. Three of those are located in California: Mount Shasta, Lassen volcanic center, and Long Valley Cadera. Read full article here.
The Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison have begun public safety power shut off programs in various California counties as part of their Community Wildfire Safety programs.
When a disaster strikes, access to services becomes even more critical. And yet hospital staff and emergency services providers can be victims of that same disaster. ASPR TRACIE has released an updated version of its Tips for Retaining and Caring for Staff after a Disaster to guide facility executives in assisting staff through the recovery period.
OnSite Temp Housing is a leading provider in the United States for temporary housing rental from construction site and construction office rentals to natural disaster housing and portable homes.
