BURBANK : St. Joseph’s Hospital Plans Safety Fair

Highway crashes, earthquakes, hazardous waste and rape prevention are all topics at a safety fair being held at St. Joseph’s Medical Center this week.

“We want to increase awareness both at home and in the workplace,” said David Doughman, director of safety and security for the hospital. The “Home and Workplace Safety Fair” is held annually at the hospital and includes displays and demonstrations by Burbank police, the Burbank Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol and the American Red Cross.

Eight businesses in the field of emergency preparedness will be included as well as a few hospital departments.

“Last year, we had over 500 participants, so it always goes over very well,” hospital spokeswoman Alicia Gonzalez said.

The safety fair is designed to help hospital employees understand how other facets of emergency work affect their jobs, Doughman said. But the general public is invited.

The fair, to be held May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the hospital at 501 S. Buena Vista St., is free, but some items used in an emergency will be for sale.

“Hopefully, we’re going to whet their appetite to learn more,” Doughman said.

Representatives of the Burbank Fire Department will discuss earthquake and fire safety and hazardous waste spills, Doughman said.

Burbank police will deal with the topics of home safety and protection as well as rape prevention and carjackings, he said.

More information is available by calling 818-843-5111, ext. 7269.