1. Emergency Preparedness
An active, ongoing process
Presented by: Zara Marselian, CEO

2. 2011 Blackout & California Wildfires of 2003 and 2007
Taught us to distinguish between
“passive” and “active” disaster preparedness
measures.

3. Passive vs. Active Passive Active Preparing safety manuals
Stockpiling goods (flashlights, radios, water, etc.)
Developing computer lists of personnel
OSHA safety training
Employee safety code drills
Developing comprehensive response plans
Monitoring hazard threats
Training emergency personnel
Training members of the community at risk

4. 3 Messages 1 ) Who do we rely on during an emergency or disaster?
2) What is the power of communication?
3) What did we learn
from these experiences?

5. Clinics must be prepared to be self-sufficient
One of the most fundamental components of planning efforts is the provision of generators and fuel in the event of a power outage.

6. Clinics are the communities’ life support system in times of crisis.
If a power outage occurs, clinics vital power is needed to resume operations. This is where the importance of generators comes in. It is important that clinics have generator backup, because as we learned, power outages are often unexpected and unpredictable. The safety of those in immediate need of healthcare is a priority, and generators can ensure that those in need will be taken care of with little to no interruption.

7. The power of communication
Develop effective internal and external communications plans
Clinics should establish an alternative communication system if standard communications fail.
Use a combination of communication tools:
• Basic telephone systems
• Overhead announcement and paging systems
• 2 way radios
• Cell phones
• Text messaging •
• Intranet message posting
• Emergency handheld programmed radios
• Ham radio systems

8. What did we learn from these experiences?
Because disaster events are relatively rare, staff does not have regular experience with emergency procedures, therefore…
- Regular staff training is crucial to effective response to a disaster surge.
- Clinics should provide emergency training during staff orientation to ensure a baseline knowledge among all staff.
- On-going staff participation is crucial during emergency exercises because they are given the ability to respond during a crisis

9. La Maestra's security personnel play a large role in emergency planning due to the fact that they are frequently on site when an emergency occurs
This placement provides security staff with a unique ability to take immediate actions that can save lives before emergency units can arrive.

10. Security Personnel: - equipped with 2 way radio communication at all times - work with the maintenance team and are cross-trained in security codes for proficiency - are familiar with emergency contact lists throughout the organization, connecting to satellite sites immediately

11. Health Centers are diverse organizations
La Maestra’s Emergency Management approach has to consider:
The center’s size (3 floors with underground parking garage)
Location (Satellite clinics located throughout San Diego County)
The Community (Culturally diverse community with 20+ languages)
Patient Demographic (patients with mental/behavioral illnesses, anxiety, depression, PTSD)
Patients with chronic disease

12. Community Engagement Understand your community
Develop ongoing collaborative relationships
Integrate the community into your
preparedness
activities

13. Engagement benefits everyone
Overall community health & safety is improved
Burden on emergency responders is reduced
Patients are better able to care for themselves and avoid putting others at risk

14. Emergency Preparedness Partners

15. Local Partners

16. Emergency Contacts Gary S. Rotto
Director of Health Policy and Strategic Communications
Council of Community Clinics
(direct)
(mobile)
Patrick Klein
Associate Director of Health Center Operations
California Primary Care Association
Phone: (916) x1111
American Red Cross
Disaster Hotline San Diego
Fire Department
San Diego Gas & Electric
The City of San Diego – Public Utilities
Water Operations
(619)