CMH – Emergency Operations Plan
Annex B: Shelter in Place
B2: CODE WHITE – BLIZZARD or SEVERE ICE STORM
ACTIVATION: The on-scene Incident Commander (the on-duty Charge Nurse, DON,
or CEO) is the primary authority responsible for ordering shelter-in-place once a Severe
Winter Weather Advisory has been announced by the National Weather Service (NWS).
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ALERT: When the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a winter weather advisory
for Blizzard or Ice Storm, shelter-in-place procedures and facility hardening should be
implemented. The on-duty Unit Secretary will announce 3 times over the hospital PA
system: CODE WHITE – Until (time given).
General Operations:
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The on-duty Incident Commander will activate the HICS system when a severe winter
storm warning is announced and contact the CEO or DON, if necessary.
Incident Command Staff will coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency
management to secure facility areas and request resources as needed.
Maintenance staff will keep snow/ice clear from all entries, sidewalks, parking lots, and
other campus areas, especially ER.
If weather conditions permit, hospital staff should report to work for their regular shift.
Facility Hardening actions for a Blizzard or Severe Ice Storm:
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The CEO will coordinate with Medical Staff, the DON, the Outpatient Referral clinic
manager, the Rural Health clinic managers, and available Department managers
regarding cancellations of elective surgeries and other outpatient procedures.
The CEO will coordinate with hospital department managers for the reduction of other
non-essential hospital services.
Public Relations (PIO) with the approval of the CEO will provide communication alerts
about hospital & clinic status for broadcast on local television and radio.
The Operations Section Chief (DON) will contact DME and Home Health regarding
home-bound patients and their medical needs.
Emergency Operations for Blizzard or Severe Ice Storm:
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CMH will use modified shifts and modified staff assignments, including reassigning
non-clinical staff to help provide extra staff support with facility hardening and patient
care areas, as needed.
RECOVERY AND RESPONSE: Recovery and response issues that may be necessary
for the facility after a severe weather incident may include:
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CMH will conduct appropriate recovery operations in conjunction with health and
facility safety issues related to incident. CMH will assess damage and use available
resources, utilize MOUs, or request resources through the Local EOC to gradually
return the hospital to normal operations.
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Incident Commander (CEO) will identify the necessary criteria
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CMH – Emergency Operations Plan
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Incident Commander (CEO) in consultation with Operations Chief (DON) will prioritize
service restoration activities and procedures to return to normal operations.
Operations Section Chief (DON) will initiate continuation of patient care services.
Logistics Section Chief (Purchasing) will document and track response expenses.
Planning Section Chief (HR) will perform staff debriefing and demobilization.
Safety Officer will perform equipment safety checks.
Infrastructure Branch Director (Director of Maintenance) is responsible for evaluating
infrastructure operation needs; performing a damage assessment (interior and
exterior) and clean up; and coordinating critical infrastructure restoration & repair of:
o Electrical systems
o Water systems
o HVAC systems
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