Welcome to ZZ Cape Fear Valley Health System

Severe Storms

Severe Storms - Severe thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in Cumberland County, especially in the summer months.

MITIGATION:  -
Construction projects and facility upgrades include considerations to mitigate severe storm damage.  Specific drainage, reinforcement, and orientation measures minimize damage from severe storm affects.

PREPAREDNESS:
However, severe thunderstorms may create structural damage or damage from water The result of these storms may be wind damage as well as water damage.  Employees should be aware of how to call the engineering as well as environmental services department (EVS) should any water come into the facility or damage occur.  There is someone from engineering on call and EVS are staff on site.  EVS and Engineering also have equipment to remove excess water from areas.

EVS will;

Order supplies to sustain services for three to five days, depending;

Notify key contractors in advance to review the emergency plan for service to include our general waste hauler, medical waste hauler, chemical supplier, and septic service owner.  The general and medical waste hauler will attempt to service the health system prior to the weather event and resume service following the event and the clean up.  If roads are not open, the local chemical supplier will serve as a backup for consumables.

RESPONSE:
Depending on the severity of the storm, employees should act quickly and remain calm.    Employees are responsible for directing and assisting non-employees to safe areas.

Predictions for severe storms are expected to provide enough warning that staff can plan travel time to report to work prior to the weather event and their scheduled shift.  Staff  are expected to adjust their schedules to travel to the hospital safely to minimize risks associated with the weather.

The following steps are in response to Severe Storms:

Should water or wind damage occur, staff should call the HCC to coordinate Engineering or EVS Department response.

Engineering can evaluate structural damage and advise on the necessity to evacuate portions of the affected facilities.

Staff will clear lobby areas of visitors to an internal room free of windows. Visitors should be discouraged from leaving the hospital during severe storms.

Blinds and shades should be lowered and personnel moved away from outside windows.

All patient room doors should be closed.

Employees in temporary office facilities should move to the closest fixed facility at the earliest opportunity

In the case of a severe thunderstorm, the pools will be evacuated.

Employees should take refuge in available rooms without windows – toward the interior hallway, closet or bathroom.

RECOVERY:
After the storm, it may be necessary to contact EVS or Engineering to have standing water removed, ceiling tiles replaced, etc. Departments should report damage to the HCC. Departments should continue to use the Work order system on the Info Web.

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207