Preparing for the Storm: Moffitt’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Living in Florida, we are all too familiar with the hurricane drill – stock up on nonperishable food and water, have a two-week supply of medicines, store important papers such as your home insurance policy in a safe place, get a full tank of gas, have cash and a battery-powered radio and flashlight.
But have you ever wondered how hospitals such as Moffitt Cancer Center prepare for a hurricane?
“Hospitals need to prepare extensively to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the facility itself during a hurricane. Comprehensive preparation and a proactive approach are key to weathering the storm effectively,” said Tom Carey, director of Public Safety at Moffitt.
One way to prepare is to have an adequate stockpile of supplies and equipment to sustain the operations during and after a hurricane.
Some items on Moffitt’s supply list include:
- At least four days worth of non-perishable food for patients and essential team members
- A minimum of four days of medications
- More than 4,000 gallons of water
- Approximately 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel for generators
- At least seven days of medical equipment such as first aid supplies and personal protective equipment
Stocking up on these vital supplies allows Moffitt to effectively respond to hurricanes and other major disasters but it is also essential to prepare its team members. The cancer center has a robust planning and tabletop exercises that provide knowledge, resources and support to staff to ensure it is continuing to provide access to cancer treatments and top-notch care.
Some ways Moffitt prepares its team members are by:
- Conducting annual hurricane drills and simulations to prepare team members for real-life scenarios. These exercises provide a hands-on experience, helping staff understand their roles and responsibilities during a hurricane.
- Providing ongoing education sessions and communication, such as online courses to keep team members updated with the latest information and best practices for hurricane preparedness.
- Establishing clear channels of communication. An emergency notification system and incident command center keep team members informed and coordinated before, during and after a storm. Team members are trained to follow the directives from the command center to ensure a unified and effective response.
- Identifying essential personnel. During an activation, an A and B shift schedule is implemented. This plan is communicated to all team members so everyone is aware of when they are expected to report to work. Moffitt encourages team members to develop personal and family preparedness plans. Resources are provided to help staff ensure that their families are safe and secure, allowing them to concentrate on their duties at work.
"Our comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan ensures that every team member is equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to protect themselves, our patients and our facilities during a hurricane,” Carey said.
Through these proactive measures Moffitt is prepared to face hurricane related challenges with confidence and competence.
