Providence St. Joseph Hospital Enhances Community Preparedness Efforts

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” emphasizes the importance of family readiness in the face of emergencies. Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka is spearheading efforts to encourage families to take proactive measures to prepare for unexpected events, reinforcing the idea that community safety is a shared responsibility.

Brandon Klith, trauma program manager at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, stated, “Preparedness isn’t just a hospital priority, it’s a community responsibility.” He highlighted that being equipped with a plan and emergency supplies, such as a go-kit, can significantly enhance safety during incidents like wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages.

As the designated trauma center for the region, the hospital conducts a comprehensive emergency preparedness drill each May. This event involves collaboration with local emergency medical services, City Ambulance, and Humboldt Bay Fire to simulate a mass casualty scenario. During this year’s drill, students from Fortuna High School participated as mock patients, while first responders practiced real-time triage and transport. The hospital maintained regular operations, allowing teams to test their crisis response capabilities effectively.

Emergency preparedness drills serve a critical role in identifying operational gaps, enhancing communication, and fostering trust among healthcare providers and emergency services.

Community-Led Initiatives Enhance Safety Awareness

In addition to hospital initiatives, organizations such as Paso a Paso and Healthy Kids Humboldt have been instrumental in promoting community-based education. Following the 2022 Rio Dell earthquake, team members recognized that many Spanish-speaking families lacked access to vital information regarding local disasters and recovery resources. In response, they launched a comprehensive safety and preparedness series, which began in May and will conclude on September 30, 2023.

This series covers various topics, ranging from firework safety to disaster response and go-bag preparation. It also includes CPR certification and a community safety fair, all presented in Spanish. With the assistance of a grant from the Humboldt Area Foundation, the teams distributed 25 disaster kits to local households, ensuring families have essential supplies for emergencies.

Jessica Clothier, community services supervisor for Providence St. Joseph Hospital, expressed the positive impact of these initiatives: “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.” She noted that this was the first preparedness series and kit distribution, and expressed hope that it will motivate other organizations to support Spanish-speaking families.

Building Resilience Through Preparedness

Paso a Paso is a community health program of Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital. Its services are free, confidential, and accessible in both Spanish and English, available to anyone without the need for address or income verification. To register for classes or connect with a community health worker, individuals can contact program supervisor Jessica Clothier at [email protected] or call 707-296-0618.

Families can enhance their emergency preparedness by creating a comprehensive plan. This plan should detail communication strategies and designated meeting locations in case of separation. Key elements 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 and family members with specific medical needs

Regular practice of the plan is essential to ensure all family members know their roles during an emergency.

Additionally, assembling a well-stocked go-bag or emergency kit is crucial. A robust kit should sustain a household for at least 72 hours and 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 necessary medications
– Important documents stored in a waterproof container
– Cash, blankets, hygiene items, and masks

It is advisable to keep these kits in homes, vehicles, and workplaces when possible.

To stay informed, families are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts and follow reliable sources such as the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, Cal OES, and FEMA.

By taking proactive steps at home and engaging in community preparedness efforts, families can build resilience and enhance their readiness for emergencies.