Disaster Awareness
The fact that a disaster could occur at anytime is a reality. Here at Guadalupe Healthcare Network we are trying to be as prepared as possible. We have created this Disaster Awareness section on our website in order to improve communications during a time of need.
Increased disaster awareness may help us take some small steps to reduce disaster risks, and to assist us to be prepared to help ourselves and those around us following a disaster.
Guadalupe Healthcare Network will regularly participate in “disaster drills”. These are valuable learning experiences. You too can be prepared. Having a plan and knowing your plan may save your life or the life of a loved one.
In the event a real disaster Guadalupe Healthcare Network will make every effort to keep the network physicians and facility members informed at all times. Provided there is electricity and phone service, GHN will send “mass” faxes to all the network physicians and facilities as new information becomes available. This fax will also describe the immediate action needed on part of the GHN providers.
It will be the responsibility of the facilities and the local offices of emergency management to keep the general public informed of the situation. The community should contact the public relations department at their local facility for further information regarding disaster awareness, disaster training and emergency preparedness. In the event of a disaster, tune into your local news radio station for further instructions.
Please be aware, that during a disaster, there is a possibility streets will be shut down, electricity and telephone service may not be available.
Most facilities have in plan “command centers” which have capabilities of communicating on a regional level in order to pool information and resources within the community. The regional command center has the ability to communicate with facilities such as: Connally Memorial Hospital in Floresville, Otto Kaiser Hospital in Kenedy, South Texas Surgical Center in Seguin, TexSan Heart Hospital in San Antonio, the Baptist Health System in San Antonio and McKenna Memorial Hospital in New Braunfels.
In the event of a “dirty bomb” the community is asked not to take victims to local physician offices. The public is asked to bring victims to designated triage area where they may be provided appropriate care. It is important that the public does not go to the emergency room to check on victims as this will delay the staff’s ability to provide efficient care to those in need. In an emergency, every second counts, and the immediate response is often crucial and may even save a life. Your cooperation is appreciated.
The main telephone line to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (830) 379-2411; Otto Kaiser Hospital (830) 583-3401; and Connally Memorial Hospital (830) 393-1300. However, during a disaster, separate hotline numbers may be established as the need and availability permits.
There may be times in our lives when we face a disaster. In these times, it's difficult to focus on the various tasks that need to be handled. We have put together some ideas and helpful phone numbers to help aid the community and network physicians in making the right decision when disaster strikes.
Emergency 9-1-1
Guadalupe Regional EMS Non-Emergency (830) 401-2310
Seguin Fire Department Non-Emergency (830) 401-2310
Seguin Police Department Non-Emergency (830) 379-2123
Guadalupe Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency (830) 379-1224
Guadalupe Office of Emergency Management (830) 303-4188 ext 230
Floresville Fire Department Non Emergency (830) 393-3223
Floresville Police Department Non-Emergency (830) 393-4055
Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency (830) 393-2535
Kenedy Fire Department Non Emergency (830) 780-3931
Kenedy Police Department Non-Emergency (830) 583-2225
Karnes County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency (830) 780-3931
Poison Center 1 (800) 222-1222
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Registration
1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362), TTY: 1 (800) 462-7585
National Response Center to Report Toxic Chemical Spills, Oil Spills and Terrorist Threats (Voice/TTY) 1 (800) 424-8802.
American Red Cross
1-800-HELP-NOW (435-7669)
Special needs and/or elderly residents that may need oxygen or dialysis, should make prior arrangements with family member or caretakers. In the event of an emergency
anyone living within city limits should contact their local Police Department and anyone who lives within the county should contact their local Sheriff’s Office to obtain evacuation assistance, if needed. At this time, Guadalupe County does not have a special number to pre-register those in need.
To report a gas leak in your home or office, leave the residence/building immediately and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. A spark from your phone could ignite the leaking gas. Be safe and evacuate.
News Radio Stations: Guadalupe Regional Area KWED 1580; Floresville KWBC 1550; Kenedy KAML 990 AM; WOAI 1200 AM - Tune into your local radio station for further instructions.
Telephone Companies:
SBC Repairs 1-800-246-8464
AT&T Repairs 1-800-222-3000
MCI Repairs 1-800-444-3333
Time Warner 1-800-255-0501
Direct TV 1-800-531-5000
Dish Network 1-866-722-7500
Print this information and keep it in a safe place as the Internet may not available during a disaster.*Please post by your telephones and make sure children know how and when to dial and use 9-1-1*
FEMA Preparedness Plan http://www.fema.gov/rrr/emprep.shtm
American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org
The physicians and facilities within Guadalupe Healthcare Network should be prepared for a disaster. There is a possibility that a disaster could keep office staff and patients stranded for several days. Be prepared in your office as well as in your home.
Download Word Document of additional Disaster & Evacuation Information/Checklist.