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SEVERE WEATHER POLICY

7.1.1 PURPOSE:
The primary purpose of our Tornado and High Winds Operation Procedure is to establish guidelines to follow when a Tornado, Hurricane, Severe Thunderstorm, High-Winds Alert, etc. “WATCH” or “WARNING” is issued in our areas.

When a “WATCH” or “WARNING” is issued, you must follow our established procedures to assure the SAFETY and well being of all concerned.

7.1.2 NOTIFICATION OF A WATCH/WARNING ALERT:

1.A tornado or other SEVERE WEATHER “WATCH” means that conditions are favorable for such storms, and that certain established procedures must be implemented.

2.A Tornado or other SEVERE WEATHER “WARNING”, means that a TORNADO has been sighted or that SEVERE WEATHER is rapidly approaching and that IMMEDIATE ACTION must be taken.

3.When a ‘WATCH” or “WARNING” has been issued for our area, you will be notified of such alerts, and will be instructed to implement our established procedures.

7.1.3 SPECIAL JOB ASSIGNEMENTS:

1.Special Job assignments will be assigned by the person-in-charge for Nursing to follow when a “WATCH: or “WARNING” has been issued.

2.When a Tornado or Severe Weather alert has been issued, implement those procedures assigned to you.

3.Should you not have been assigned a task, report to the Nurses Station for special instructions.

4.When an ALERT is issued, other personnel in the facility may assist in these procedures if so authorized by the person-in-charge.

5.Any person(s) assisting in the implementation of these procedures MUST follow all instructions issued by the person-in-charge.

7.1.4 TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER “WATCH” PROCEDURE:

When a Tornado or Severe Weather “Watch” has been issued, the following procedures shall be implemented:
1.Move all bed-fast patients away from windows. Place against interior walls.

2.Close drapes, blinds, shades, etc.

3.Pull cubicle curtains around the patient.

4.Have extra blankets available.

5.Unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment.

6.Store glass and other breakable objects.

7.Secure all outside furnishings (lawn chairs, tables, trash cans, etc.).

8.Continue daily routine assignments. However, BE READY to implement other procedures when instructed.

Several hours usually laps between the “WATCH” and “WARNING”. You should have ample time to perform your tasks. Upon the cancellation of the alert, return to your normal routine duties.

7.2.1 TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER “WARNING” PROCEDURE:

When a Tornado or Severe Weather “WARNING” has been issued, the following procedures shall be implemented IMMEDIATELY:

1.Move all patients to hallways. Leave bed-patients in beds. Place beds against the wall. Keep away from windows.

2.Have ambulatory and wheelchair patients sit against the hallway wall. Keep away from windows.

3.Close all doors to patient rooms.

4.Give each patient a blanket. This will keep them warm and protect against flying glass.

5.Keep flashlights readily available.

6.Follow all instructions issued.

7.REMAIN CALM – Reassure your patients that they will be safe. Remain with patients unless otherwise instructed.

8.Remain in the hallway until an ALL CLEAR has been sounded by the person-in-charge.

7.2.2 DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING:

Should damage occur to the building during the storm, begin to search for injured persons as quickly as possible.

An injury count and report will be conducted by the person-in-charge. Once the storm has passed and injuries have been reported, it may be necessary to evacuate the area.

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