Wednesday, May 19, 2021: 2:30 p.m.
Update 4: Return to Normal Operations at 7 p.m.
Though a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for southeast Texas through 1 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service predicts lower rainfall totals than what we experienced during last night’s storm. As a result, we will be resuming normal operations and discontinuing Emergency Pay Practices at 7 p.m. this evening.
Thank you again to all of our team members who reported for duty and assisted Texas Children’s in planning and responding to this latest weather event. Because of your commitment, we were able to seamlessly continue operations for our patients and their families, and this makes a tremendous difference for those we serve.
Please take a moment to review the following updates:
- Emergency Pay. All emergency pay and off-shift/sleep pay practices will end at 7 p.m. today, at which time we will revert to our normal pay practices. Exempt staff (including leaders up to the director level) will be paid a $250 stipend for 8 or more hours spent on-site between 7 p.m., May 18 and 7 p.m., May 19. Calculation of hours will include both on-duty and off-shift hours. Employees can expect to see Emergency Pay and Emergency Stipends reflected on their June 3 checks.
- Remote Work. Team members who are able to return to work on-site should do so, or connect with their leader to make other arrangements. Any employee (exempt or non-exempt) who continues to work remotely must use the ATK Telecommute code for accurate tracking of remote hours. Instructions on how to do so can be found here.
- Parking. At this time, we have reverted to normal parking operations. Entrance gates have been lowered and exit gates will be lowered at 9 p.m. Please park in your usual location moving forward. Shuttles are operating under their normal schedule.
- Sleep Arrangements. If for any reason you have concerns about commuting home this evening, please contact your leader about facilitating sleep arrangements.
- Support Resources. For general questions about this event, contact our HR Employee Support Center at 832-826-4700. If you need support for your well-being, contact our Employee Assistance Program and Well-Being team at 832-824-3327. Please note that this support number will close on May 21 at 5 p.m.
Thank you again for leading tirelessly during this effort.
Afsheen Davis
Administrator on Call
Michelle Riley-Brown
EVP on Call
Melissa Murrah
Emergency Management
Wednesday, May 19, 2021: 8:05 a.m.
Update 3: Flash Flood Watch Still in Effect for Houston, East Texas
Thank you to all of our employees who helped in preparing, implementing and riding out the line of storms that passed through Austin and Houston yesterday and last night. Your efforts to go above and beyond for our patients and families is extremely appreciated, and is ensuring our operations can continue despite the unpredictability in the weather.
At this time, our forecast is predicting showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue across southeast Texas throughout the day, bringing upwards to 4 inches in some areas. Given the significant amount of rainfall we experienced last night, there remains a risk of flash flooding across much of the area, and we expect that risk to subside as we head into Thursday.
Throughout the morning, we will continue monitoring the forecast and will communicate operational updates later today. In the meantime, please review the following:
- ATK Telecommute Code. Important clarification: Any employee (exempt or non-exempt) working remotely must use the ATK Telecommute code for remote tracking. This is essential to ensure accurate implementation of our pay programs. Instructions on how to use the ATK Telecommute code are located here.
- Shuttle services. Shuttles services from Garage 19 and Meyer to the Medical Center Campus are running on schedule. Garages 16 and 21 are full at this time. Valet services are complimentary for patient families today.
- Resources for employees. If you feel you need any well-being or mental health support, please reach out to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being at 832-824-3327. This team will also be visiting each floor to provide additional support to team members.
- Respite rooms. Respite rooms are also available throughout all three campuses to provide our team members with a quiet space to relax and decompress.
Thank you again for all of your efforts. Stay safe.
Afsheen Davis
Administrator on Call
Michelle Riley-Brown
EVP on Call
Melissa Murrah
Emergency Management
Tuesday, May 18, 2021: 3:19 p.m.
Update 2: Emergency Practices Beginning Due to Inclement Weather
As we continue to monitor the weather, our current forecast is predicting heavy rainfall to begin this afternoon in the Austin area, and then move into Houston overnight and through Thursday. At this time, it is unclear what operational impacts we can expect. However, flash flooding does appear likely across much of our area, which could pose significant hazards for team members commuting to and from work.
Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our team members, as well as to ensure we meet appropriate staffing levels that address the needs of our patients, Texas Children’s is beginning its emergency practices at 7 p.m. today and will be requiring all ride-out team members (who must be present on-site to perform their duties) to stay on-site through Thursday, beginning tonight at 11 p.m. Ride-out team members whose shift begins at 7 p.m. should arrive to work at their scheduled time. Please confirm with your leader if you are considered Ride Out for this event.
For more information, please review the following:
- Pay Practices. Beginning at 7 p.m. today, Texas Children’s will begin Emergency Pay Practices for all ride-out team members required to be on-site during this weather event. For non-exempt team members, this includes pay at time-and-a-half for all hours worked, as well as sleep pay at the team member’s regular hourly rate.
Additionally, exempt staff – including leaders up to the director level – will be paid a stipend for hours spent on-site. Calculation of hours will include both on-duty and off-shift hours. Additional information will be communicated later this week.
- Sleeping Arrangements. Given the chance of severe weather, sleeping arrangements will be made for all team members required to be on-site. If you will be working on-site through Thursday, please know that you are required to sleep on-site, beginning tonight, and will receive sleep pay at your normal hourly rate. Please arrive at your place of work no later than 11 p.m. tonight.
– Medical Center Campus. Parking is available for team members in Garage 16 (Mark A. Wallace Tower) and Garage 21 (Pavilion for Women/Legacy Tower). Parking gate arms will be lifted to ensure access in and out of the garages. After you complete your screening, please proceed to the 3rd floor of Wallace Tower to check-in and receive your sleeping assignment.
– West Campus. After you complete your screening, please proceed to the 1st floor conference center to check-in and receive your sleeping assignment.
– The Woodlands Campus. Please connect with your leader to receive your sleeping assignment.
- Remote work. All team members who are able to work from home are required to do so through Thursday. If you are a non-exempt team member, please clock-in using the ATK time code in Kronos.
To monitor the latest weather and road updates, please visit the National Weather Service, Houston TranStar, TX DOT or Texas Children’s Emergency Management Connect site.
Be safe.
Afsheen Davis
Administrator on Call
Michelle Riley-Brown
EVP on Call
Melissa Murrah
Emergency Management
Monday, May 17, 2021: 5:18 p.m.
Heavy rainfall expected through Thursday
Texas Children’s leadership and the Department of Emergency Management are closely monitoring the potential for heavy rainfall beginning this afternoon and lasting through Thursday, with localized flash flooding a possibility for portions of Houston and east Texas.
At this time, all employees are advised to exercise caution when navigating the roadways and to avoid any flooded areas as you head home or make your way into work. Please plan for additional travel time this week, and be prepared to identify alternative routes in case roadways become flooded. Please also be sure to communicate with your leader should your arrival to work be delayed at any time due to poor conditions.
To monitor the latest weather and road updates, please visit the National Weather Service, Houston TranStar, TX DOT or Texas Children’s Emergency Management Connect site.
Additional updates will be communicated as the situation warrants.
Be safe.
Afsheen Davis
Administrator on Call
Michelle Riley-Brown
EVP on Call
Melissa Murrah
Emergency Management