By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have disrupted lives and strained healthcare systems as large portions of the city were engulfed in flames. Over 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate the area, which included medical clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.

The fires caused abrupt closures, power outages and staff shortages, CNN reports, while some facilities like St. John’s clinic in Pacific Palisades burned down. Emergency services are overwhelmed, road closures hamper operations and thousands of patients face disrupted care.  

Related: How Healthcare Facilities Management Can Respond to Disasters

In times like this, healthcare facility managers are vital, as they have the expertise and resources to help occupants get to safety. An integral part of this is emergency preparedness, which helps get both facilities managers and occupants ready for when disaster strikes.  

Medxcel advises six considerations for healthcare facility managers dealing with wildfires: 

1. Are there any staff members who live in affected areas? If that’s the case, it’s wise for them to evacuate early to avoid leaving at the last minute. 
2. Smoke and soot can jam up air filters in the facility as fires spread, creating a hazardous environment for patients. Have an extra stock of air filters on hand in addition to masks and respirators. 
3. Road closures make it difficult for patients, staff, supplies and emergency personnel to reach the facility. Be sure to chart out alternative routes or think of alternative modes of transportation. 
4. Make sure decisions are based on the latest information. Evacuate with plenty of time to avoid delays or obstacles if needed. 
5. Ensure that there’s enough supplies and that medical staff are trained to care for burn patients effectively. 
6. Begin planning for remediation before the fires are done and have emergency response crews ready to speed up resolutions. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor for the facilities market.