TGH and CEO John Couris successfully navigated Hurricane Helene using lessons learned from Hurricane Ian.
Editor’s note: On October 10, Tampa General Hospital was hit by Hurricane Milton. The system remained open as emergency response teams were activated to support communities impacted by the storm. “Preparing for Hurricane Milton was an incredible effort by the entire team and a true test of our resources, but it ensured we could continue to provide exceptional care for our patients in a high-quality, safe and uninterrupted environment before, during and after the storm,” John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital said on its website. “Tampa General is open to support communities impacted and particularly our first responders. Working together, we will come back from Milton stronger than ever.”
When it comes to preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters, hospitals must be ready to protect patients, staff, and facilities.
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) successfully navigated Hurricane Ian in 2022, avoiding damage despite being in the storm's path. Unfortunately, history repeated itself this year.
On September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Perry, Florida, and caused flash flooding in the western part of the state, but luckily, the hospital's vulnerable Level 1 trauma center remained dry and unscathed.
“We are pleased to share that our Tampa General Hospital health system stood strong against the storm. In the wake of the hurricane, we remain focused on providing world-class care to our patients and supporting emergency response efforts across our community,” the health system’s website says.
How did they do it? Well, CEO John Couris was prepared.
After Hurricane Ian in 2022, Couris shared key strategies exclusively with HealthLeaders that kept TGH resilient, offering a roadmap for other hospitals and health systems (including themselves) to implement in future emergencies.
Here’s how to prepare your facility for an emergency storm, based on TGH’s experiences with Hurrican Ian:
1. Start Early: Preparation Begins Well Before the Storm
TGH started preparing for Hurricane Ian a week before it made landfall. This included stockpiling critical supplies like food, water, and medical resources.
According to Couris, “[We] began bringing in our emergency supplies, med-surge supplies, and emergency water about a week out. We also set up our AquaFence, which can push back about 15 feet of storm surge.”
Actionable Steps:
- Review emergency supply stockpiles well ahead of time.
- Secure critical infrastructure, such as flood barriers or AquaFences.
- Test backup systems like emergency generators to ensure functionality.
Pictured: TGH before the flooding from Hurricane Helene. Photo courtesy of AquaFence.
2. Activate Your Emergency Command Center
Three days before Ian, TGH activated its emergency command center, part of a larger 8,000-square-foot facility that uses AI and predictive analytics. “We have a dedicated emergency management team that takes over, with leadership staying on-site to make real-time decisions,” Couris explained.
Actionable Steps:
- Establish a centralized command center to coordinate response efforts.
- Ensure your leadership team stays on-site during the storm for fast decision-making.
- Create a two-tier staffing model (Team A for the storm, Team B for post-storm relief).
3. Practice Disaster Drills Year-Round
A key to TGH’s success was regular disaster training. Couris emphasized, “All critical elements worked because we practice this stuff all year long. We conduct mass casualty drills and review standard procedures constantly.”
Actionable Steps:
- Conduct regular disaster preparedness drills, including mass casualty simulations.
- Train staff on emergency protocols and refine procedures through tabletop exercises.
- Make emergency readiness part of routine operations.
4. Plan for Water Shortages
A major lesson learned from Ian was the critical importance of water. At the time, several hospitals had to evacuate due to a lack of water pressure, even though their facilities withstood the storm.
Couris pointed out that during Ian, “Water was the primary reason why patients had to be transferred. We are developing plans to ensure TGH has its own emergency water supply.”
Actionable Steps:
- Evaluate your facility’s water usage and plan for emergency water storage.
- Consider tanker trucks or alternative water sources in the event of supply interruptions.
- Develop contingency plans to maintain fire suppression and sanitation systems if municipal water is compromised.
5. Make Sleeping Arrangements for Staff a Priority
TGH had 2,000 staff members caring for nearly 900 patients during Hurricane Ian. Couris noted that while their emergency plan worked, sleeping arrangements for staff always pose a challenge. “Hospitals aren’t designed to house thousands of staff for days, so we’re always learning how to do that better.”
Actionable Steps:
- Designate sleeping areas and provide adequate bedding for on-site staff.
- Anticipate long stays and ensure facilities are equipped with basic amenities like showers and meals.
- Continually refine staff accommodation plans based on feedback from previous events.
6. Collaborate with Other Hospitals for Patient Transfers
After the Ian, TGH played a crucial role in assisting hospitals to the south, transferring over 50 patients from affected areas. Couris explained, “We had five helicopters and ambulances running patients from Fort Myers up to Tampa.”
Actionable Steps:
- Establish relationships with nearby hospitals for mutual aid agreements.
- Plan for patient transfers, including air and ground transportation logistics.
- Ensure your hospital is prepared to accept patients from neighboring facilities in case of evacuations.
7. Constantly Review and Improve Your Disaster Plan
Couris’s final piece of advice is to make disaster preparedness an ongoing effort. “My advice to people is practice, practice, practice. Review your processes and systems consistently. The only way to stay ready is to make this part of your routine operations.”
Actionable Steps:
- Regularly review and update emergency plans based on new insights and lessons learned.
- Involve all levels of staff in disaster preparedness to build a culture of readiness.
- Keep refining your plans to ensure your hospital is ready for the next storm.
By following these strategies, hospitals can better prepare for the impact of natural disasters, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and facilities.
Amanda Norris is the Director of Content for HealthLeaders.