EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

The Extreme or Prolonged Temperature Emergency Preparedness procedures will go into effect in t= he case of extreme or prolonged temperature situations that may warrant the ne= ed to provide specific treatment/services and/or take preventive measures for clients and employees. Situations that may warrant implementation of emergency preparedness procedures include, but are not limited to the following: Planned or unplanned power outages= for an extended period of time during periods of forecasted and/or actual extre= me hot or cold temperatures, air conditioning shut-down expected for a pe= riod of time which may affect employees and the care and treatment of clients, actual or forecasted extremely high temperatures and humidity that may burden air conditioning systems, any situation which causes the room temperature to be adverse to the physical condition of the clients for= an extended period of time, etc.

1. Monitor clients very closely, particularly the elderly and those "at risk" to develop physical problems due to either extreme heat or cold conditions.

2. Each client care building shall develop specific guidelines for treatment of the= ir clients for both extreme cold or heat situations and determine critical temperature levels based on the need of the population in the building= .

Examples:

Heat:

v&nb= sp; Open windows on the shady side of the buildi= ng.

v&nb= sp; Provide fans with protective grills.

v&nb= sp; Provide cool liquids and snacks.

v&nb= sp; Encourage extra fluid intakes.

v&nb= sp; Encourage lightweight and light colored clothing.

v&nb= sp; Provide cool cloth compresses as needed.

&nbs= p; Cold:

v&nb= sp; Provide extra blankets.

v&nb= sp; Encourage extra layered clothing and jackets= .

v&nb= sp; Provide warm liquids (Hot cocoa, coffee, tea= ).

v&nb= sp; Provide warm snacks (soup, chili).

v&nb= sp; Congregate clients in warmest areas if possi= ble.

v&nb= sp; Close off unused areas to prevent drafts.

Develop a plan for relocating clients if the need arises. Relocation of clients is to be coo= rdinated with the CSH Command Post.

Develop a= plan to protect employees during extreme temperatures. The hospital recognizes the index of 105 degrees Fahrenheit heat index or higher and 20 degrees or lower Fahrenheit wind chill as temperatures that employees will not be requi= red to work outside for any extended period of time except during an emergency situation. This will be an&sh= y;nounced via the emergency radio channel.

B. THUNDERSTORMS OR TORNADO WATCH - Weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm or tornado may develop. Client areas should = be prepared to move clients to a designated safe area on the unit.

C. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - A s= evere thunderstorm has developed and will probably affect this area. All clients/employees s= hould return immediately to their assigned buildings and remain inside and stay a= way from open doors or windows, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and plug-= in electrical equipment. Close c= urtains/blinds, assemble extra pillows and blankets.

D. TORNADO WARNING - A tornado has been formed and sighted and may affect t= his area. Staff should:

a. Stay away from open doors or windows, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and plug-in electrical equipment.

b. Move all clients/employees to designated shelter areas on the unit or an interior hallway. Have clients sit on fl= oor with their backs to walls. Co= ats, jackets, blankets, etc., should be used to cover heads, arms and legs. Do n= ot use elevators.

c. Stay away from all large area= s of glass.

d. Prepare for the possible loss of electrical power.

E. OTHER SERIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS - Other serious weather bulletins may be iss= ued for our area, such as substantial snowfall, ice storms, etc. which could have the potential to threaten hospital operations and/or hamper transportation of staff. DDO's shall take the appropri= ate actions in preparation for a possible emergency situation as specified in t= heir internal plans.