Monday, June 15, 11:40 a.m.
Texas Children’s executive leadership and the Emergency Management team are closely monitoring Tropical Disturbance no. 7, which is expected to reach our area within 24 hours. Rainfall is forecasted to begin this evening, with heavy bands of rain throughout the area Tuesday morning and afternoon. Some areas may receive 10 to 14 inches of rain, which subsequently could cause flooding.
We are taking all appropriate precautions according to our response plan, and we ask staff and employees to do the same. We urge you to:
- Prepare for staffing changes, and be flexible with scheduling adjustments. Leaders are already assessing staffing for the next 24 to 48 hours and making plans to adjust the schedule should we experience a severe weather event.
- Some inpatient staff may need to arrive earlier or remain on shift longer. Please direct all inpatient calls to the NAC at Ext. 6-4282.
- Also, outpatient areas may delay patient arrivals or have cancellations. Please be patient with and accommodating of these adjustments.
- A global email about scheduling and staffing adjustments will be sent around 2 p.m. today.
- Expect the weather to begin impacting our area as early as tonight, and plan accordingly. Please plan for additional travel time, and identify alternate routes to and from work.
- Ensure our personal emergency preparedness plans are in place, as hurricane season is here.
- Make sure that your at-work disaster bag is stocked and ready to go with at least three days of essential supplies. If you have not yet created and brought in your bag, do so as soon as possible, as it is a requirement of all employees.
- Review your personal and family preparedness plans. Identify back-up child care and elder care plans. Check supplies, and ensure emergency contact numbers are correct.
- Stay connected, and pay attention to communications.
- Global emails: Texas Children’s Global Alert emails will be distributed each morning and afternoon – and more frequently if warranted – to provide updates, so please check your email.
- Connect message: A scrolling message on the Connect home page also includes the latest updates.
- Latest weather, traffic and road conditions are available on the Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.
Please be safe, use caution when navigating roadways, and do not drive into flooded areas. Again, thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families.
Judy Swanson
Administrator on call
Amy Puglia
Emergency Management Services