Severe Weather
Active Threats
100
What is the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch?
100
What is considered an active threat in the hospital?
A situation involving a person who may cause serious harm.
These situations are fast, unpredictable, and require quick decision-making.
200
Tornados aren't the only thing that can be called overhead when inclement weather is near! What other types of weather may occur where the hospital needs to be on high alert?
Daily Double!!
-What happens on the patient care units when a tornado warning or other emergency weather event is called overhead?
High wind warnings
Remember the Derechos??
Daily Double:
200
What are key priorities in these situations (our team)?
Your safety comes first
Protect patients/visitors when feasible
Communicate clearly and early
300
Scenario: a tornado warning was just called overhead and you are working at your desk. Where do you go? What is your safe space?
Education office OR internal space without external walls/windows, etc.
300
Where can you find information on what to do if an active threat was called overhead?
ERG!
Where can you find this information in our department?
Consideration: what if we were hosting an orientation? What if you were walking down the hall and something was called?
400
We are hosting a new hire orientation in Atrium A. A tornado warning has been called overhead. Where is the nearest safe space for these learners?
Bathrooms (mens may be better suited) or back in the cafeteria.
400
Immediate Actions
• Be aware of exits and safe areas
• Move to a safer location if needed
• Secure doors/areas when appropriate
• Call security/emergency when safe
•Active threat response is about awareness, movement, and communication
•Follow hospital procedures and commands
Where am I? Who is with me? What is my safest next action?
500
If a tornado were to hit the medical center, what event would be called/initiated?
What actions must be continued no matter what? What is our role?
HICS
MCI (what does this stand for??)
500
After the Incident
• Wait for official ‘all clear’
• Check patients and team members
• Report concerns or safety gaps
• Utilize support resources if needed