Laws Regarding Emergency Procedures in California

Emergency procedures in California can come in a variety of forms. For example, California residents may need an individual emergency procedure at a hospital, or numerous residents can be put into harm's way at once in the event of a fire or earthquake. California laws have been enacted to ensure that all residents are aware of their rights, and what to do, in the event of an emergency.

Medical Emergencies

• Those who need emergency medical procedures in California have rights.

  In the event that a California resident is taken to the hospital for an emergency medical procedure, she is entitled to certain rights under California law including the right to be properly treated until her condition has stabilized, regardless if she is insured or not. A California resident's health care plan is required by law to cover the cost of any emergency procedure the resident receives. California patients also cannot be transferred from the emergency room to another hospital against their will. Any resident of California who feels as if a emergency procedure was not handled well, or caused extra damage, has the right to sue or file a complaint with the California Department of Health Services.

Fire Signs

• Buildings in California must supply emergency procedure signs in case of fire.

  Under California Health and Safety Code Section 13220, anyone who owns or operates an office building with at least two stories must post emergency procedure signs in an easily accessible place for all to see in the event of a fire. Under Section 13220(b) of the California Health and Safety Code, anyone who runs or operates a motel or hotel has to either have posted signs in each room for rent in regard to what to do in the event of a fire, or they must offer a brochure or pamphlet conveying the same information. Those found in violation of these California laws will be fined a maximum of $10,000 and/or be imprisoned in a county jail for a maximum of six months.

Earthquakes

• One thing California residents must always be cautious of is earthquakes, as the state is prone to them. Under California Education Code Section 35295(b), all private elementary and high schools with at least 50 students are required to have an earthquake emergency procedure plan, which may be formulated with the help of the Seismic Safety Commission and the Office of Emergency Services. Part of the emergency procedure plan must include education on the drop procedure, in which students take shelter under a desk or table with their head covered by their arms. This drop procedure must be practiced once a quarter in private elementary schools and once a semester in private high schools. The California Education Code also requires public schools to have an earthquake emergency procedure plan similar to private schools.