July 5, 2023

For the first time since 2019, Texas Children’s held an in-person emergency preparedness exercise to help test our readiness. The scenario was a radiologic event resulting in a patient surge at our facility. As leaders in the Gulf-7 Pediatric Disaster Network (G7), we collaborated with the South East Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX) to host this exercise.

The day started with a mock Incident Command held in Abercrombie where TEEX trainers walked leaders through the scenario, and our teams discussed the key actions they would take. Simultaneously, teams were preparing the fourth floor of the Pavilion for Women for an influx of “patients and families” arriving onsite.

From doing intake and triage at Hobby Airport to walking patients through rooms with social workers and consultation services, the teams simulated all the steps it would take to manage through this type of event.

“It took an incredible effort to set this up, and we’re grateful for everyone’s hard work and participation,” said Dr. Nichole Davis, pediatric emergency medicine attending and Site PI – G7. “It was great to get back to these in-person drills. It’s so important we test ourselves, so we can be prepared if anything like this were to happen.”

While it was a rewarding day for the adolescent “patients” who logged precious volunteer hours, our teams benefited the most from the experience. A robust debrief included input from each area to assess what went right and what could be improved, and everything was on the table. It wasn’t just about providing the right medical care – feedback also included having enough interpreters in Language Services, making sure there would be Wi-Fi at Hobby Airport for triage, using the best color-coding system for patient registration and much more.

“We made so much progress today with this exercise, and I feel confident we are doing all the right things to prepare for these types of emergencies,” said Dr. Brent Kaziny, medical director of Emergency Management and principal investigator – G7. “At the end of the day, our teams can handle anything, as we learned from managing through COVID, but there is always room to improve and get better for the sake of our patients.”

June 21, 2023

Texas Children’s is proud to be the only pediatric Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) center in Texas. Together with Baylor, we also lead a consortium of experts from across the Gulf Coast named the Gulf-7 Pediatric Disaster Network (G7) – one of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Pediatric Disaster Care Centers of Excellence.

As leaders in this network, we will host an emergency preparedness exercise on Thursday, June 22, mainly on the fourth floor of the Pavilion for Women. Don’t be surprised when you see an extra 50 children and parent volunteers walking the halls. Along with some community partners, they will help us simulate a patient surge during a radiologic incident.

This exercise will put our operations and skills to the test, so we can be ready for anything. Don’t worry, there’s no specific existing threat we’re preparing for; this is just one of the many things we’re doing as part of our emergency preparedness.

“As a leader in emergency preparedness for the Gulf Coast, we’re excited to host this exercise to help our organization and others learn how to be ready for disaster,” said Dr. Brent Kaziny, Medical Director of Emergency Management. “It’s our privilege and responsibility to ensure we continue to learn how to deliver the best care while keeping people safe during a crisis.”

There will be a follow-up story on Connect to share how it went and what we learned.

Multiple departments across the organization, as well as outside partners (South East Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX)) will participate in the exercise.

Participating departments
  • RITN
  • Chaplaincy
  • Child Life
  • Communications (Internal and External)
  • Emergency Center Nursing
  • Organizational Resilience
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians
  • Facilities Operations
  • House Supervisor
  • Language Services
  • Pathology/ Laboratory
  • Patient and Family Services
  • Patient Registration/Finance
  • Radiation Safety
  • Security
  • Social Work
  • Child Life
  • Baylor Medical Team
March 29, 2023

We all have a role to play when it comes to emergency preparedness. We can’t always predict when a crisis may happen, but being prepared for one can be key to keeping everyone healthy and safe.

TAKE ACTION – Employee Disaster Roster (EDR)

It takes all of us working together and doing our part to keep our system running when disaster strikes. All team members must re-register annually for the Employee Disaster Roster – electing to be part of the Prep Team, Ride-Out Team and/or Relief Team. Details for each team are listed in the form, and you should work with your leader to agree on the appropriate role for you.

Note, if you’re on the ride-out team, you can use this easy checklist to pack your at-work disaster bag with 5-7 days of essential supplies.

Everbridge Event Management Platform

When emergencies happen, Texas Children’s will rely on the Everbridge platform to keep you informed. Whether through text, phone and/or email, team members can be reached in seconds when a critical event takes place.

We know messages received on your personal device can be a distraction, and that’s why we are committed to using this channel only when necessary to protect people and property.

Be sure you’re on the list:

  • If your contact information is correct in Voyager, you’re on the list. If you’re not getting messages, please review your information, paying particular attention that your mobile number is in the correct field.
  • If you have previously opted out, we strongly encourage you to opt back in by texting the word “RESUME” to 89361.
  • Visit the Department of Organizational Resilience SharePoint site for contact information and links to websites to help you create an emergency preparedness plan of your own.
February 7, 2023

Being prepared for a crisis – either sudden or forecasted – is the key to staying calm and staying safe. Texas Children’s is refining our best practice when it comes to emergency preparedness, and we all have a role to play.

Everbridge Event Management Platform

When emergencies happen, Texas Children’s will rely on the Everbridge platform to keep you informed. Whether through text, phone and/or email, team members can be reached in seconds when a critical event takes place.

We know messages received on your personal device can be a distraction, and that’s why we are committed to using this channel only when necessary to protect people and property.

Be sure you’re on the list:

  • If your contact information is correct in Voyager, you’re on the list. If you’re not getting messages, please review your information, paying particular attention that your mobile number is in the correct field.
  • If you have previously opted out, we strongly encourage you to opt back in by texting the word “RESUME” to 89361.
Employee Disaster Roster (EDR) Enrollment is Open

Another important element of preparedness is understanding the role you play in keeping our system running when disaster strikes.

All team members must re-register annually for the Employee Disaster Roster – electing to be part of the Prep Team, Ride-Out Team and/or Relief Team. Details for each team are listed in the form, and you should work with your leader to agree on the appropriate role for you. Note, if you’re on the ride-out team, you can use this easy checklist to pack your at-work disaster bag with 5-7 days of essential supplies.

Deadlines

  • Friday, March 24 – all EDR registrations must be complete.
  • Friday, March 31 – Leader validation must be complete.

Visit the Department of Organizational Resilience SharePoint site for contact information and links to websites to help you create an emergency preparedness plan of your own.

May 26, 2020

While we continue to safeguard our patients, families and staff from COVID-19, we must also make necessary preparations for this year’s hurricane season. According to StormGeo, Texas Children’s Meteorological data provider, the 2020 Hurricane Season, beginning June 1 and ending November 30, is expected to be above normal, producing up to eight hurricanes, four of which are predicted to be major storms.

Preparing for this year’s hurricane season will look much like it has in the past, but with a few tweaks due to the additional safety precautions and protocols we have in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These tweaks as well as tips on how to prepare yourself and your family for this year’s hurricane season are below.

“We understand that everyone is already in a heightened level of awareness and preparedness due to COVID-19. Hurricane season is something that occurs every year and we as an institution are consistently prepared and resilient no matter what it may bring,” said Aaron Freedkin with Emergency Management. “Texas Children’s has thorough hurricane plans in place and we are working to incorporate all appropriate COVID-19 precautions. Most importantly, we are confident that our One Amazing Team will rise to the occasion if we need to activate these plans.”

Employee Disaster Roster

First and foremost, we need employees to register for a team within the Employee Disaster Roster by June 12. Important considerations specifically for 2020:

  • Staff who are flexed down to zero hours will not be required to register at this time
  • Team selections should not be based on an employee’s current or future “flexed down” status
  • Staffing decisions will be based on business and clinical requirements at the time of the disaster declaration

If you have not already done so, please go to the Employee Disaster Roster in MOLI and make your 2020 selection for the Prep Team, Ride-Out Team, and/or Relief Team.  Any exemptions must be entered into the system and approved by your supervisor. Please contact the Organizational Resilience Department at EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org with questions.

Ride-Out

As mentioned above, the size of the Ride-Out Team this year should it be called to action could be significantly smaller than in the past due to decreased clinical activity and heightened safety precautions. In addition, Texas Children’s has historically provided on-site accommodations for Ride-Out Team members. These accommodations will still be available; however, they will take social distancing into account. Organizational Resilience is working with Infection Control, Facilities and the Incident Command Planning Section Leadership to finalize these considerations and determine how they will be implemented.

Preparedness Presentations and Bridge Event

Normally, Organizational Resilience gives in-person hurricane preparedness presentations to requesting departments. This year, these presentations will be given virtually via Microsoft Teams. To request a presentation, please email EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org.

The annual Hurricane Preparedness Bridge Event will also be virtual this year via Microsoft Teams Live. The event, scheduled for June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include presentations from Texas Children’s Wellness Team, the Employee Assistance Program and the National Weather Service. Additional information about the virtual event will be communicated soon.

Personal Preparedness

When a storm or hurricane threatens, the best thing you can do is be prepared. That means getting your home and belongings ready to withstand wind and water, and ensuring the safety of your family, pets and loved ones. Once all of this is done, you can focus on helping our patients and families continue to receive the medical care they need. Here are some simple steps to help you get prepared.

Evacuation

  • Sign up for emergency alerts. You can find them at ready.gov/prepare.
  • Check with Texas Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management for evacuation routes near you.
  • Know where your nearest emergency shelters are. Download FEMA’s app at fema.org/mobile-app.
  • Keep your gas tank full and buy extra gasoline for your vehicle or generator. Be sure to store it safely in approved containers.

At Home

  • If necessary, board up your windows.
  • Keep gutters and drains free of debris.
  • Install “check valves” in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains.
  • Set your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest setting to make food last as long as possible without electricity.
  • Put containers of water in your freezer to fill up any extra space.
  • Fill bathtubs with water which can help with cleaning and flushing toilets.
  • Bring in all loose objects from your yard and patio.
  • Charge your cellphone and an extra battery. Buy a car charger if you haven’t already.
  • Program emergency contacts into your phone.
  • If you have an emergency generator, test it to make sure it works properly. Buy extra cans of gasoline in case of power loss after a storm.

Protect Important Documents

Store the following documents in clear, portable, airproof and waterproof containers:

  • Passports and Social Security cards.
  • Prescription information and immunization records.
  • Customer service phone numbers and account numbers for banks and credit cards.
  • Birth, marriage and death certificates.
  • Insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, bonds and other valuables.

Communication

  • During and after a crisis, people can become separated and communication lines can become jammed. Avoid chaos by developing a plan beforehand.
  • Establish a place to meet near home.
  • Select a friend or relative who lives outside the region to be your contact.
  • Take a cellphone charger when you evacuate.

Pantry

  • Water – Buy and store plenty of extra water.
  • Food – Purchase enough for at least three days.
  • Utensils -Don’t forget a hand-held can opener.
  • Fuel – Have wood, charcoal or propane handy.
  • Pets – Make sure you have extra food and water for your pets.
  • Medication – Refill prescriptions and have other regularly used medical supplies on hand.

Disaster Bag

If you are called to one of our locations to help keep operations up and running during a storm, you will want to take a piece of home with you to make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible. That’s why having a disaster preparedness bag ready to go is important. Here are some of the things you should pack.

  • Your Texas Children’s/Baylor employee badge
  • Sleeping bags or linens, blankets, and a pillow
  • Change of clothing, uniforms, undergarments and sleepwear
  • Comfortable shoes and socks
  • Personal toiletries, towels and washcloths
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Cash and small change
  • Nonperishable* food, special dietary requirements and snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Diversional activities (no electronic devices)
  • Phone, charger and list of important phone numbers
  • *Examples of nonperishable food items include:
    • Bottled water, Gatorade, box juices
    • Peanut butter
    • Nuts
    • Granola bars
    • Any type of breakfast bar
    • Baked beans
    • Tuna or other canned meats
    • Jerky
    • Crackers
    • Fruit cups
    • Fresh fruit, e.g., bananas, apples
    • Puddings
    • Hard candies
Update Your Information

Making sure your contact information is up to date in MOLI is key to receiving essential communications during a hurricane or other emergency. You don’t want to miss out on key information. To update your information, click here.

For more information, go to Texas Children’s Emergency Management page on Connect.

May 9, 2017

The Department of Emergency Management is presenting its 11th Annual Emergency Management Bridge Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, on The Auxiliary Bridge.

Representatives from various Texas Children’s departments as well as external partners such as the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management will be onsite to help you prepare for hurricane season by assisting you with registering in the Employee Disaster Roster (EDR), getting your emergency supplies ready, and making sure you know where to go and what to do during a disaster.

Plan to stop by The Auxiliary Bridge to learn safety tips to help you prepare yourself, your family and your patients for the 2017 hurricane season.

November 8, 2016

It was 11:20 on a Friday morning when a bus of 50 high school students were rushed to Texas Children’s Emergency Center (EC) with gunshot wounds, blast and shrapnel injuries and psychological trauma. Physicians, nurses and other critical care teams worked quickly to attend to the victims’ injuries.

“It was a tense situation with lots of patients coming in with different diagnoses,” said Natashia Bush, one of the night shift managers in the EC. “One of our logistical challenges was to figure out how to get everything done in one room and still have the ability to triage the patients out of the room and get new patients in the room for emergent care.”

While the scenes played out in our Emergency Center looked real, fortunately, this was only an exercise. Texas Children’s emergency response plan was put to the test during a comprehensive mass casualty incident exercise on October 7, which included nearly 150 Texas Children’s staff and employees and about 150 members of the Houston Police Department SWAT team, Houston Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and 400 students and staff at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions.

The exercise involved mock shootings, an improvised explosive device and a hostage situation at DeBakey High School. Many of the shooting victims were then brought to Texas Children’s Hospital EC. The intent was to help assess the organization’s mass casualty incident plan, emergency communications, incident command structure and patient flow.

“I think Texas Children’s did a fantastic job during this drill,” said Texas Children’s Executive Vice President Mark Mullarkey. “We saw it as an opportunity to learn and identify our gaps. Our ability to be critical of ourselves afterward is only going to make us improve as we move forward and be better prepared to serve the community.”

This was the first time Texas Children’s executed an emergency exercise of this scale and scope with external and internal participants. Having multiple agencies involved and simulating a mass casualty incident as realistically as possible helped our teams identify what went well with the exercise and what areas needed improvement.

“One thing we learned from this drill is that our response needs to be the same, regardless of what the incident is,” said Executive Vice President John Nickens. “We can always lower our intensity, but we should respond the same and be prepared. We are fortunate at Texas Children’s to have the resources and talent to do it.”

While triage in the Emergency Center was very fast and efficient which demonstrated the existing level of preparation with the EC, one particular area of improvement that topped the list was improving the flow of communication from the EC to other areas.

“While we have certainly identified areas for improvement, we should not consider this a failure, but rather it is the goal of our exercise,” said James Mitchell, assistant director of Texas Children’s Emergency Management. “We should also remember that we carry out preparedness efforts not simply to meet regulatory requirements, but because we support a vulnerable community, and care deeply about those we serve.”

In the coming weeks, Emergency Management will meet with all of the major group participants for feedback to create a formal, institutional mass casualty incident plan. The team will work with teams in Radiology, the ORs, PICU, the Blood Bank and other areas to conduct smaller scale tabletop exercises using the same scenario to ensure we have learned all lessons possible from this event.