Barton Health to conduct wildfire evacuaton drill for continued emergency preparedness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Residents near the hospital in South Lake Tahoe may hear some extra sirens from first responders and see some commotion on Wednesday as Barton Health conducts a Wildfire Evacuation Drill from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

"The health and safety of the Lake Tahoe community is Barton Health’s top priority," said Thea Hardy, Barton's public relations specialist. "It is essential that hospital staff are prepared to respond to emergency situations as part of safety and crisis planning and preparation. As wildfire season approaches, conducting safety drills elevates emergency preparedness by employing realistic scenarios with reliable and accurate outcome measures."

The training will take place at Barton Hospital, 2170 South Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. Staff and designated actors will conduct the drill primarily within the hospital campus, creating little to no impact on surrounding businesses and residents of 3rd and 4th Streets. The drill will not affect admitted patients or families nor will it impact those planning to visit Barton Memorial Hospital or medical offices on May 12.

Households immediately next to Barton Memorial Hospital may hear or see the simulated commotion, including hospital and emergency response vehicles as part of this exercise. To allow effective training for Barton Health staff, the public is prohibited from this event.