To support healthcare organizations in implementing proactive risk management strategies, The Joint Commission has issued Sentinel Event Alert, “Environmental disasters: Preparing to safely evacuate or shelter in place.” This alert outlines steps for healthcare organizations to consider as they prepare for weather and climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and extreme heat.
Joint Commission Emergency Management standards require healthcare organizations to have a comprehensive EM program that provides a systematic analysis for planning and decision-making. The EM program structure can respond to any type of emergency through an all-hazards approach.
To assist in safe evacuation or sheltering in place during an environmental disaster, the Sentinel Event Alert suggests healthcare organizations consider taking the following actions:
- Revisit and update emergency plans
- Establish and build collaborative relationships
- Develop a resilient communications infrastructure
- Plan how to meet essential needs and provide care to staff and patients
- Plan and practice how to evacuate and shelter in place
To learn more, click here.
