Meet the Experts

Raj Maragh, CHEP

Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida

Videos

Emergency Medical Response

Raj Maragh, CHEP, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, talks about how they prepare for a storm. He explains with a picture of a command center, what they did the day before Hurricane Irma made landfall.

Emergency and Storm Response Team

Jessie Menocal, Manager of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, explains with a picture how he command center prepares for storms. He affirms they have to get ready anywhere in Florida, because it is going to be impacted by Hurricanes. Raj Maragh, CHEP, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Safety at Baptist Health South Florida, says his organization's plans are ready years in advance.

Building an Emergency Kit

Raj Maragh, CHEP, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, says when people start to prepare an emergency kit, they should look for their needs: how big the family is, how many pets the family has and if grandparents live with them. He advises making pre-made kits based on 14 days of food and medicine. Jessie Menocal, Manager of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, also recommends having all the essential papers ready in case of evacuation.

Preventing School Shootings

After Parkland, the governor determined there must be a police officer in each school or armed trained guardian, says Jessie Menocal, Manager of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida. The expert explains other changes are about safety at schools are: having one entry point for everybody, camera systems and more education about that. Raj Maragh, CHEP, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, advises talking to children about what to expect if school shooting happens. He recommends having a plan and teaching it to them.

Preparing Emotionally for an Emergency

In cases of emergencies, Jessie Menocal, Manager of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, advises trying to stay calm, taking care of kids, trying to find an area when everybody could be safe and having a plan. Raj Maragh, CHEP, Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security with Baptist Health South Florida, affirms 90% of fatalities happen because of storm surges. He explains before and during the storm, authorities have situational meeting with upper leadership county officials, who are looking at what resources they need to bring in, and how they’re going to prepare people about the emergency.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

A service of

in partnership with

A service of South Florida PBS

in partnership with