Tuesday, June 16, 6:56 a.m.
Texas Children’s executive leadership and the Emergency Management team are closely monitoring Tropical Disturbance no. 7, which has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Bill. The storm is expected to impact our area by mid-morning as it makes its way inland. We will continue monitoring the weather throughout the day and reassess the situation this afternoon.
New information
- Weather update. Tropical Disturbance no. 7 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Bill. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected throughout the Houston area beginning mid-morning and through Wednesday. The Houston area could experience between 7 to 8 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period, with the heaviest rain hitting the western part of the city.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Operations. At this time, we are continuing operations as normal throughout the Texas Children’s system. Leaders will continue to assess staffing needs over the next 24 to 48 hours and will make adjustments accordingly.
- Please direct Main Campus inpatient calls to the NAC at extension 6-4282.
- Please direct West Campus inpatient calls to the House Supervisor at extension 7-4700.
- Some clinics and outpatient areas may delay patient arrivals or have cancellations. Please be patient with and accommodating of these adjustments.
Reminders and previous information
- Using appropriate judgement. It’s important that we all remain mindful of our obligation to be here to provide uninterrupted care for our patients and their families. By the same token, we want you to be safe. We rely on your judgement in these situations to balance the need for your presence here with our desire to ensure you are not putting yourself in harm’s way.
- Public transportation. Currently, Metro is operating normally. If you are planning to travel to work by Metro bus or rail, ensure you have an alternate means of transportation, as service may be limited this afternoon.
- Flood doors and Garage Entrances. At this point, there has been no decision to close the flood doors or the garage entrances. They will remain open unless closure is absolutely necessary.
- Back-up child care and elder care benefit. Backup care for children and elders is available to Texas Children’s employees through Bright Horizons. Click here for details.
- Hurricane season planning. Ensure your personal emergency preparedness plans are in place, as hurricane season is here. Pack your disaster bag, confirm back-up child care and elder care plans, check emergency supplies, and ensure emergency contact numbers are correct.
Your disaster bag should include: your employee badge, bottled water and non-perishable food, light-weight clothing (including socks and under garments), linens (sleeping bags, sheets, pillows), medications/glasses/contact lenses, cash, phone charger, personal care items and toiletries.
- Emergency communications. There are several ways to stay connected:
- Global emails: Texas Children’s Global Alert emails will be sent as needed to provide updates.
- Connect message: A message on the Connect home page also includes the latest updates.
- Texaschildrensnews.org: All global alerts are being posted on our external news site,www.texaschildrensnews.org
- Latest weather, traffic and road conditions are available on the Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service
Please 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