MediSys Takes On Family Preparedness Month In A Big Way
The MediSys Emergency Management team took part in National Preparedness Month activities at all of our main campus locations.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. MediSys Emergency Management recognizes that during an emergency our employee’s priorities are their families. Therefore, as an institution, we need to ensure that our families are well prepared at home, in order for us to continue to provide the highest quality care to our patients and the community. During the month of September, the Emergency Management Department toured Jamaica, Flushing and Brookdale Hospitals offering free informational packets which provided step by step instructions of emergency planning for families, pets, seniors and people with disabilities; helpful tips to improve on preparing their home and how to set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone. Brochures with vital information produced by various agencies were also provided. In addition, a sample Go-Bag that contains emergency supply items was displayed for hospital staff, patients and visitors to view. For a more detailed list and other valuable information you can visit www.ready.gov.
The following are recommended Go-Bag items:
- First-aid kit
- Radio
- Flashlight
- Multi-purpose knife
- Drinking water & food
- Change of clothes/ shoes
- Emergency blanket
- Emergency poncho
- Body warmer
- N95 mask
- Light sticks
- Paper & pen
- Whistle
- Copy of house & car keys
- Red Cross CPR guide
- Important documentation (such as photo ID’s, insurance cards, birth certificates)
- Personal Hygiene Items (such as facial tissues, hand cleanser, lip balm etc.)
During our visit at each facility there was an over-whelming amount of interest not only from our staff but from the Public alike. Presenting the public with this information allowed individuals to realize their preparedness level as well. They were surprised of the simple methods it takes in emergency planning such as designating a meeting location, having a family emergency contact and assembling a Go-Bag. They’re now able to re-evaluate their own plans and improve in areas that they may have previously lacked. The employees were greatly appreciative to see the MediSys Health Network providing such information to assist them in preparing their families for an emergency.
Over 1000 informational packets were distributed along with other brochures within a three week span at all three MediSys Health Network facilities. We also asked employees to participate in a survey which allowed us to evaluate their preparedness level at home as well as within their facilities. The results revealed that while an average of 65% of individuals had a designated emergency contact, only 30% had a meeting location and emergency supplies at home. With regard to the workplace an average of 53% knew their responsibilities and who they would have to contact during an event and 62% knew where their Emergency Management Guides could be found. Due to these results, Emergency Management would like to help educate our employees in both aspects.
The goal for September was to raise public awareness in preparing families for an emergency. MediSys Emergency Management worked together with other departments in a group effort to accomplish this important goal. We hope the staff and community we encountered recognize the significance of emergency family preparedness. We hope by providing them with additional knowledge and tools will lead to further discussions and planning with their families using the many recommendations given through our presentation. The staff’s attention and participation during this period has helped MediSys Emergency Management to focus on expanding the awareness, not only for this month of September, but on a continued basis through departmental presentations and education for all employees.
