Welcome to ZZ Cape Fear Valley Health System

Tornados

MITIGATION: (Constantly)

Ensure new construction is built considering high winds survivability

Security monitors a NOAA Weather Radio

PREPAREDNESS: (Up until the NWS issues a Tornado Watch)

Staff will identify “safe havens” in their respective areas for tornado shelter;

The switchboard will announce that the NWS has issued a Tornado Watch;

The switchboard will call all facilities that are currently open;

The switchboard will call MedCom to ensure UNC Air Care and EMS are aware;

Available staff will secure loose items from around campus and outlying facilities.

RESPONSE: (When the NWS issues a Tornado Warning)

The switchboard will announce that the NWS has issued a Tornado Warning;

The switchboard will announce precautions for patients, visitors, and staff (remain inside until the warning expires; stay away from windows; move to interior portions of the floor and to lower floors, if possible, and face the wall; etc).

Staff will remain calm and ensure the safety of non-employees;

Security will direct people away from lobbies, bridges, or hallways with windows;

Nursing personnel are responsible for the safety of their patients.

Patients able to move or be moved should move to an interior room on the floor;

Bedridden patients will remain in rooms with shades drawn and doors closed.

RECOVERY:  (When the tornado danger passes)
Once the NWS warning or watch expires, the Incident Commander will announce “All Clear” to main campus and health system facilities.

If no tornado occurred, return to normal operations, reassess all patients.

If a tornado occurred:

Assess your area for injuries or damage, report all findings to Incident Command;

Be careful of debris, especially falling glass;

If there has been damage to part of the building, evacuation may be necessary.

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