Clinic Plan: Severe Weather Plan With No Warning

There are times when our staff and facility may face sudden, no-advance warning weather events such as tornadoes or severe thunderstorms. Unlike hurricanes, these require immediate protective action.   

AT OUR CLINIC 

INITIATE SHELTER-IN-PLACE PROTOCOL

• Announce calmly and clearly: “Severe weather—please move to the designated safe area

• Direct patients, staff, and visitors to designated safe zones (interior rooms, hallways, away from windows).  herapists will assist patients with mobility limitations.  

• Office staff will shut down electrical equipment.

 DURING THE EVENT

• Patient/Visitor Log will be kept with the OPT Administrator.

• Weather conditions will be monitored. 

• No one may attempt to leave the building during the storm.

IMMEDIATE POST-EVENT ACTIONS

• Safety Assessment will be completed.  Staff will check for injuries among patients and staff; administer first aid if trained, and 911 will be called for serious injuries.

• The facility will be inspected for structural damage, downed power lines, flooding, or fire hazards. Areas deemed unsafe will not be re-entered until cleared.

• Patient families will be notified of the patient's safety status.

• Local emergency management will be contacted if evacuation or rescue is needed.

Whenever possible, LifeCare will evacuate all persons to Tamarac Elementary School, which is our designated shelter.