National Weather Service Recognizes SMH’s Storm Prep & Safety

Sarasota Memorial, which stood strong throughout Hurricane Ian, was recently recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) for its severe weather safety and preparedness measures.

SMH-Sarasota, SMH-Venice and the North Port Emergency Room & Health Care Center were designated as “StormReady Supporters” by the NWS. The certification affirms that the three campuses have met NWS criteria for preparing for severe weather.

The health system’s hurricane preparedness was recently put to the test during the recent hurricane. SMH facilities continued to provide care throughout one of the most severe storms to ever reach the region. In the days leading up to Ian, teams stocked up on supplies, medications, food and water, prepared back-up power and contingency systems, reviewed hurricane procedures and refined staffing plans. The three campuses were powered by back-up generators during widespread power outages. Dedicated Hurricane “A” Team members worked hard to continue providing care and sheltered in place on our medical campuses. On-site command centers monitored and responded to needs 24/7.

Both hospitals and the skilled nursing facility remained fully operational during and after the storm, stepping up to care for the community when a number of other hospitals were forced to close or limit services. The only medical facility sustaining significant damage was the ER in North Port. About 50 staff at the North Port facility continued caring for patients, even after Ian damaged the roof. Everyone at the ER was evacuated as soon as it was safe to do so, and the facility re-opened in mid-October. A physician office building at SMH-Venice also was damaged, but has since re-opened.

Many staff members suffering their own losses and hardships during Ian, but continued to report to work in the days and weeks following the storm to help care for the huge surge of patients.

Severe weather readiness has long been a priority for the health system due to its vulnerable location on the west coast of Florida. The organization has comprehensive emergency management plans to help its campuses get ready for and mitigate risks from hurricanes and other disasters to the fullest extent possible. Sarasota Memorial also has devoted significant resources to “hurricane hardening” its facilities and ensuring ample back-up power and supplies are available.

“Your efforts, and those of your team, will better prepare your (campuses) to protect life and property from the onslaught of hazardous weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No facility is storm proof, but StormReady can help save lives,” said Warning Coordination Meteorologist Daniel Noah of the National Weather Service – Tampa Bay Area.

Only seven other health care organizations in Florida have earned the national StormReady Supporter recognition.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the National Weather Service for our extensive and ongoing efforts to ensure that our staff and facilities can continue caring for the community when severe weather threatens our region,” said Jeffery Mangrum, the health system’s director of Public Safety and Emergency Management. “Hurricane Ian demonstrated Sarasota Memorial’s commitment to providing care under the most challenging conditions.”