A developing coastal storm, potentially a Nor’easter, is expected to affect portions of the Mid-Atlantic & Northeast regions beginning Friday, September 25, and continuing through the weekend. Although the storm’s exact track and severity remain uncertain, potential impacts may include strong winds, coastal and tidal flooding, heavy rain, localized power outages, transportation disruptions, supply-chain interruptions, and challenges with facility access.
Healthcare organizations, particularly those in coastal or flood-prone areas, are encouraged to review their emergency procedures and consider the following preparedness actions:
- Monitor forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service, state and local emergency management agencies, and public health partners.
- Confirm emergency contact information and procedures for communicating with leadership, staff, patients, residents, families, and community partners.
- Review staffing contingencies, including potential transportation or lodging needs for essential personnel.
- Verify generator readiness, fuel availability, and procedures for supporting critical equipment during a power interruption.
- Assess current levels of medications, medical gases, oxygen, food, water, personal protective equipment, and other essential supplies.
- Evaluate potential supply-chain vulnerabilities, including anticipated delivery delays, limited vendor availability, alternate suppliers, and procedures for prioritizing essential resources.
- Confirm weekend availability and contingency arrangements with transportation providers, pharmacies, suppliers, and other critical vendors.
- Review shelter-in-place, evacuation, and patient or resident transfer procedures.
- Maintain communication with healthcare coalitions, local emergency management agencies, public health partners, and other appropriate community resources.
Early identification and communication of potential needs can support timely coordination and help community partners respond effectively. Organizations are encouraged to communicate anticipated resource needs or operational concerns as they emerge.
The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic QIN-QIO remains available to provide emergency preparedness technical assistance and support organizations in reviewing continuity considerations. Our role is to support preparedness efforts and help connect providers with appropriate information and resources.
You may contact us at qinqio@ipro.org with any questions or concerns.