Taft Correctional Institution conducts disaster preparedness drill

An emergency preparedness drill was recently carried out at California's Taft Correctional Institution. The drill simulated an earthquake with significant structural damage to the facility's Education Annex.

Twelve Taft inmates participated as earthquake victims, simulating injuries ranging from a bloody nose to compound fractures to cardiac failure. Various Taft departments were involved in the drill including security, medical, maintenance and training.

The focus of the drill was to simulate a real life disaster inside the institution and to challenge staff with a meaningful demonstration of their skill and technical expertise.

Health Services Administrator Lauri Watts, RN Supervisor Dan Jones, Chief of Security Martin Friend, Training Manager Donald Manuz and Assistant Training Manager Dena McDonald monitored the exercise. An after action review was conducted to critique the response and discuss improvements.

"Practice ensures perfection," said Warden Neil H. Adler. "The more practice, time and effort we put into drills such as this, the better prepared we are in the event of a real life disaster."

(Posted 01/30/08)

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