With the onset of the 2021 hurricane season closely upon us, now is the time to start preparing! The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Forecasters are predicting that oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Atlantic will be favorable for a more active than usual hurricane season in the months ahead. Planning and preparing now can make a big difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, advance planning, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane.
Prepare Your Staff and Patients: Get the Conversation Started!
One of the most effective ways to share information and motivate people to take steps for personal preparedness is to talk to staff members and patients. Add a preparedness discussion to the weekly huddle, your next staff organizational QAPI meeting, or arrange a lunch and learn session. You can cover the basics in about 15 minutes; but 30 minutes will provide more time for open discussion and/or questions.
Be Prepared! Plan Ahead.
Begin preparing now and know what you’re going to do in the event of a hurricane. Planning ahead gives you more options and better control over situations that could become chaotic at the last moment if you’re not ready. To learn more about how to prepare for a hurricane visit ready.gov/hurricanes. Find out about preparedness drills or exercises in your area at https://www.ready.gov/testing-exercises.
Tips for Planning Ahead
- Use the Emergency Patient Checklist & Communication Form to collect valuable patient information prior to a known event
- Share the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center weblink with staff and patients
- Understand the meaning of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings
- Download and print the FEMA – How to Prepare for a Hurricane Guide & Checklist
- Prepare your organization for a hurricane by using the Playbook to guide your conversation
- Review the Ready.gov – Crisis Communications Plan
- Create and test your family Emergency Communication Plan
- Put together an Emergency Kit of supplies
- Sign up for local alerts on your phone, so you can stay aware if the weather gets worse by downloading the FEMA App