As Hurricane Florence approaches the United States, Augusta Health is activating its emergency processes and procedures to be prepared for the predicted impact on our community.
Preparations at this point focus on buildings, utilities such as electricity and associated generators and emergency back-ups, supplies such as medications and food, processes for transporting and receiving evacuate patients during time of emergency, and coordination of additional staffing.
Extra supply shipments are scheduled to arrive over the next two days. Extra storage, often with refrigeration, is also needed for the supplies. Coordination and communication with all suppliers, as well as utility providers has been established. Life safety generators and boilers are ready to go; oxygen supply procedures for external customers are in place.
Augusta Health is actively coordinating efforts with local, regional, state and national emergency agencies. We will participate in the state-wide Conference Call tomorrow with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to receive any additional instructions and request. We anticipate opening an Incident Command Office to coordinate communication, staffing and emergency needs during the storm.