Unexpected Weather is Reshaping Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals

Unexpected Weather is Reshaping Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals

Extreme weather is no longer an occasional happening, but is becoming a daily reality, which is impacting and reshaping the way hospitals must operate. Topping the list are tornadoes emerging in regions that never saw them before, heatwaves breaking records now more than ever, and floods threatening inland communities that were once considered safe. These shifts strain both patient care and hospital infrastructure, demanding new levels of flexibility in emergency preparedness.

“When extreme weather strikes, every second matters. Delayed reactions can compromise care delivery, endanger patients and staff, and cause irreparable harm to hospital infrastructure. And worse: hospitals may find themselves unable to provide the care their patients and communities urgently need.”

Healthcare leaders are urged to rethink location-related normalities in disaster planning, examine outdated protocols, and look seriously at real-time data, digital tools, and scenario planning to protect vulnerable populations and maintain continuity of operations.

The key to successfully mitigating any emergency is preparedness. CHUG members have access to a comprehensive suite of educational workshops that utilize real-life case studies to teach effective responses to storms and emergency situations. This training can be lifesaving. Not a member? Become a member today. Already a member? Visit the Member Portal for a full calendar of events and member-exclusive content.