DR. JOHN WARNER HOSPITAL
CLINTON, ILLINOIS 61727
POLICY AND PROCEDURE
TITLE
WINTER STORM PLAN
PAGE 1 OF 3
DEPARTMENT
SAFETY
DATE REVISED
10/02/07
PREPARED BY
PAT DANISON
ORIGINAL DATE
09/21/00
POLICY #: SFTY-2258
REVISES AND SUPERCEDES: Winter Storm Plan with an original date of 4/93.
POLICY:
It is the policy of Dr. John Warner Hospital to activate the Winter Storm Plan in the event
weather conditions prevent staff from traveling to/from the hospital. Reference should be made
to the Inclement Weather Policy # HR-2386 to define DJWH policy concerning staff attendance
during periods of inclement weather and directly related consequences immediately thereafter,
and staff responsibilities under the Winter Storm Plan Policy.
STAFF: All personnel
EQUIPMENT, FORMS & LOCATIONS: N/A
DEFINITIONS:
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
Winter Storm Watch/Warning: A watch means a storm is possible. A warning means a storm
is occurring or will soon occur in the area.
Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero
visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.
PROCEDURE:
1.
Authorization to activate the Winter Storm Plan will be made by the Chief Executive
Officer or Administrator On-Call.
2.
Employees should be familiar with winter storm terms and the names of the counties in
which they live and work. County names are used to identify areas at risk.
-2POLICY AND PROCEDURE – WINTER STORM PLAN
3.
During a severe winter storm, employees requiring transportation to the hospital should
notify their department of the need for transportation.
4.
The department manager or designee will:
a. Determine if the employee requesting transportation is essential to the operation of
The department.
b. Provide names, addresses, telephone numbers and directions for employees requiring
transportation to the CEO/Administrator On-Call.
5.
The CEO/Administrator On-Call will notify the Sheriff’s Department of the need for
essential employee transportation which will only be provided if the Police Department is
available.
In the event any staff is unable to return home due to weather-related or hospital-related
needs, every attempt will be made to provide sleeping areas.
6.
7.
On call personnel must remain available pursuant to the on-call policy # HR 2011
WORKING OUTDOORS:
1.
Working outdoors during a severe winter storm should be avoided whenever possible.
2.
Employees working outdoors should wear loose-fitting, layered clothing, hat and gloves.
3.
Lungs can be protected from extremely cold air by covering your mouth.
4.
Frequent rest periods are encouraged to avoid overexertion and sweating.
5.
Watch for symptoms of frostbite (loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers,
toes, nose or ear lobes).
6.
When shoveling, use a proper snow shovel and lift with your legs, not your back.
7.
When using a snow blower:
a) Do not unclog the snow blower chute while the engine is running.
b) Do not wear clothing (i.e., scarf) which may get caught in the snow blower.
DOCUMENTATION: N/A
REFERENCES:
“Fact sheet: Winter Storms”, Federal Emergency Management Agency, September, 1993
“Backgrounder, Winter Storms”, Federal Emergency Management Agency, September, 1993
“Winter Storm Preparedness”, Illinois emergency Management Agency, 2002
“Fact sheet, Winter Storms”, CDC, May 12, 2004
“Weathering Winter”, Illinois Department of Public H
-3-
POLICY AND PROCEDURE – WINTER STORM PLAN
COPIES SENT TO:
Administration – Original
All Departments
04/93 – Original Date
08/28/07 - Revised
____________________________________
SAFETY OFFICER
DATE
INITIAL
AND DATE
REVIEWED ________
________
________
____________________________________
CEO/ADMINISTRATOR
DATE
________
________
________