Providence St. Joseph Hospital Champions Emergency Preparedness

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, with this year’s focus being on the theme “Preparedness Starts at Home.” In response to the growing need for community safety, Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka is urging families to take proactive measures to prepare for emergencies, which can occur without warning.

“Preparedness isn’t just a hospital priority; it’s a community responsibility,” stated Brandon Klith, trauma program manager at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. He emphasized the importance of having a plan and an emergency kit to help families stay safe during disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages.

As the designated trauma center for the county, the hospital organizes a comprehensive emergency preparedness drill each May. This event brings together caregivers, first responders, and volunteers to simulate a mass casualty scenario. In this year’s drill, students from Fortuna High School participated as mock patients, allowing first responders to practice real-time triage and transport. While the drill was in progress, hospital operations continued as normal, providing an opportunity to assess response effectiveness in a crisis.

Community Initiatives for Safety and Preparedness

In addition to hospital-led efforts, local organizations such as Paso a Paso and Healthy Kids Humboldt have initiated community-based education programs. Their efforts were inspired by the 2022 Rio Dell earthquake, which revealed that many Spanish-speaking families lacked access to critical disaster information.

To address this gap, Paso a Paso launched a 19-topic safety and preparedness series in May, set to conclude on September 30, 2023. This series covers topics ranging from fireworks safety to natural disaster response and the preparation of emergency go-bags. It also includes CPR certification and a community safety fair, all conducted in Spanish.

Thanks to funding from the Humboldt Area Foundation, the initiative has distributed 25 disaster kits to local households, providing essential supplies to families for navigating emergencies. “Families were incredibly grateful to have a space where they could gather essential items and receive practical, life-saving information in case of an emergency,” noted Jessica Clothier, community health investment supervisor for Providence St. Joseph Hospital. She expressed hope that this initiative would inspire other organizations to support Spanish-speaking families.

Empowering Families Through Preparedness

Paso a Paso is a Community Health Program affiliated with Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital. All services offered are free, confidential, and accessible in both Spanish and English, requiring no proof of address or income.

To register for classes or connect with a community health worker, individuals can contact program supervisor Jessica Clothier at [email protected] or by phone at 707-296-0618.

Families are encouraged to take action at home to enhance their preparedness. A comprehensive family emergency plan should include communication strategies and designated meeting points in case of separation. Key components of an emergency plan include:

– Emergency contacts and out-of-area phone numbers
– Evacuation routes and shelter options
– Designated meeting spots near home and outside the neighborhood
– Care plans for pets, elderly family members, or those with medical needs

Regularly practicing the emergency plan ensures that everyone knows their roles during a crisis.

Additionally, families should pack a well-stocked emergency kit capable of sustaining their household for at least 72 hours. Essential items include:

– Water (one gallon per person per day)
– Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
– Flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers
– First aid supplies and any necessary medications
– Important documents in a waterproof container
– Cash, blankets, hygiene items, and masks

It is advisable to keep emergency kits in multiple locations, including homes, cars, and workplaces.

Staying informed is crucial; families should sign up for local emergency alerts and follow credible sources such as the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, Cal OES, and FEMA.

For more information on preparedness initiatives, individuals can visit the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services website or access resources on building emergency kits.

By taking these steps, families can contribute to community emergency preparedness efforts and strengthen their resilience in the face of potential disasters.