November 19, 2024- To support healthcare organizations in implementing proactive risk management strategies, The Joint Commission has issued Sentinel Event Alert, “Environmental disasters: Preparing to safely evacuate or shelter in place.” This alert outlines steps for healthcare organizations to consider as they prepare for weather and climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and extreme heat.
Joint Commission Emergency Management (EM) standards require healthcare organizations to have a comprehensive EM program that provides a systematic analysis for planning and decision-making. The EM program structure can respond to any type of emergency through an all-hazards approach.
To assist in safe evacuation or sheltering in place during an environmental disaster, the Sentinel Event Alert suggests that healthcare organizations consider taking the following actions:
- Revisit and update emergency plans.
- Establish and build collaborative relationships.
- Develop a resilient communications infrastructure.
- Plan how to meet essential needs and provide care to staff and patients.
- Plan and practice how to evacuate and shelter in place.