Hurricane Florence is making headlines across the world, and there are several other storms currently forming. We’re officially in the throes of hurricane season. You may be thinking, but if it already started, what can I do now? The answer is everything. It’s only too late to plan when the hurricane passes you by.
Here are 6 things you need to do immediately:
- Make a plan – Of course you must have an idea of what you are going to do in the case of a hurricane, and the subsequent flooding. But you should write it down and make it official. Not sure how to do this? We can help!
- Develop your standard operating procedures – As you look at your plan, you’ll see that there are somethings you’ll need to clear up. For example, at what point will you consider evacuation? How will you evacuate? Where will you go?
- Establish who will do what – Assign roles to key people on your staff to make sure that everything gets done. Make sure you keep in mind their everyday duties as well as their leadership style to match the right personality with the job.
- Coordinate with others – A response plan must contain how you are going to coordinate with others. Sometimes this means a neighboring facility, or the family of your patients. Sometimes this means the local law enforcement and first responders. Make a list of key contacts and make sure they know your plan.
- Prepare employees – Encourage your employees and volunteers (or anyone else who frequents your workplace) to have an emergency kit. You’ll also want to make sure you, as an organization, have emergency supplies to include enough water for everyone.
- Practice and review – An emergency plan is only helpful if people know what to do, so make sure you practice several times! Of course, exercises are also required by the recent CMS rule, so you’ll need to do them anyway.
Don’t get swept away by hurricane season, start today and make your plan!
