One year ago, residents of the east coast found their homes and neighborhoods destroyed as Hurricane Sandy wreaked destructive havoc on the entire area. Thousands were evacuated in one of the worst storms the region had seen in recent history. As the number one proven evacuation device used in hospitals in the US, Med Sled® was a direct part of the relief efforts as first responders and volunteers used Med Sleds to evacuate NYU Langone Medical Center among other public facilities in New York City.
In the year that has passed since this horrific incident, residents of the east coast have slowly repaired their homes and work places from the damage caused by the natural disaster. After experiencing first-hand the difference that being prepared for emergencies can make, east coast residents are now more prepared for future disasters. In a recent poll conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals who were affected by the storm were asked how they have prepared post Hurricane Sandy. An overwhelming 80 percent of them indicated that they now have an emergency preparedness kit, and 40 percent claimed to know what emergencies or disasters are likely to occur in their area, have a family disaster plan, and even participate in preparedness events.
Kristin Stevens, Director of Emergency Management for NYU Langone Medical Center, worked closely with Med Sled® in evacuating patients from hospital facilities in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. In an effort to advocate the importance of emergency preparedness, she has offered the following tips on lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy and how schools and hospitals can apply them.
- Plan for the worst. When developing your plans and running drills, think of the one thing you are totally confident in and plan for that NOT being there.
- Be realistic in training and conducting drills. Training and conducting drills are critical components of preparedness. Evacuations do not happen in perfect conditions – make them as real as possible.
- Address non-ambulatory patients. Students who are immobile or who have disabilities are among the most at-risk during emergency scenarios. Be sure that your facility is properly prepared to evacuate those individuals when a disaster occurs. Shelter in place is the wrong option in many situations.
- Involve your community. Involving your local community in emergency preparedness is very important. For example, conduct disaster drills with your local fire department, be sure that parent groups are aware of your plans and procedures, and even consider inviting them to attend.
- Be aware of geographic vulnerability. The truth of just how vulnerable facilities on the east coast were became glaringly obvious after Hurricane Sandy struck. However, the same can be true in almost any other geographic location. Do not overlook the unique threats posed by your local environment.
As we look back on the tragic destruction caused by this storm, we are hopeful that first responders, administrators and school officials will take to heart the advice listed here and adequately prepare for the possibility of future emergencies. Lives can and will depend on it.