News Release

Lessons from Wildfires, Mudslides, Floods Top Agenda at California Hospital Disaster Planning Conference

Earthquake Early Warning System and Special Tribute to 18th Anniversary of 9/11 Also on Tap

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PASADENA (September 10, 2019) – From wildfires and earthquakes to floods and mass shootings, what were once rare or infrequent events have now become regular occurrences in California. For California hospitals, disaster preparedness has become a way of life — because being prepared can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Recognizing the importance of learning from recent disasters and from one another, hospital and disaster response officials from across California have gathered in Pasadena to discuss hospital emergency preparedness in the Golden State.

More than 700 nurses, doctors, public health officials and disaster readiness experts are in attendance at the 2019 “Disaster Planning for California Hospitals” statewide conference, sponsored by the California Hospital Association (CHA). The two-day event, being held Sept. 10-11 at the Pasadena Conference Center is titled “The New Norm: Adjusting Our Strategies.”

“With every disaster that occurs lessons are learned, which in turn helps health care professionals and first-responders better prepare for the future,” said Mary Massey, CHA’s vice president of emergency management. “Hospitals devote extensive time and resources toward ensuring that patients, staff and visitors will be safe and well-cared for when disaster strikes. This unique conference brings together disaster preparedness experts from across the state to share best practices and real-world experiences that will benefit all Californians.”