Florida Hospitals Prepare to Withstand Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state are bracing for the storm’s impact. With mandatory evacuation orders by Governor DeSantis in place for many coastal areas, healthcare providers are taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff while maintaining essential services.

Hospitals in the Tampa area and along the Gulf Coast are gearing up to remain operational throughout the storm. Tampa General Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, and AdventHealth North Pinellas are among the facilities that have stockpiled supplies, including food, water, linens, and medications, to last several days. These preparations aim to minimize disruptions and ensure that patients receive uninterrupted care during the hurricane.

Evacuation and Facility Closures

While some hospitals are preparing to weather the storm, others have taken the precautionary measure of evacuating patients to safer locations. The HCA Florida Healthcare network has evacuated patients from Pasadena Hospital, Largo West Hospital, Florida Englewood Hospital, West Tampa Hospital, and Fawcett Hospital to sister facilities. As of the latest updates, 10 hospitals have reported evacuations, and over 300 healthcare facilities, including 63 nursing homes and 169 assisted living facilities, have evacuated patients.

As of this morning, Hurricane Milton is still a Category 4 storm. Even if it weakens before landfall, Milton will be a major hurricane with catastrophic impacts on the state of Florida.

In addition to patient evacuations, some healthcare providers are temporarily closing their outpatient facilities. Orlando Health has announced the closure of physician and outpatient offices at noon on October 9, with elective surgeries and procedures also being suspended and rescheduled.

Staff Deployment and Support Measures

To ensure continuous care during the hurricane, healthcare facilities are implementing various measures to support their staff. At Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, over 2,500 staff members are prepared to spend multiple nights in the hospital, with the system providing childcare and pet shelters to accommodate their needs.

Safety Precautions and Preparations

Hospitals are taking proactive steps to safeguard their facilities and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Tampa General Hospital has installed an “aquafence” to prevent storm-surge flooding and has generators and boilers in place to maintain power and essential services in case of disruptions. Expectant mothers are advised not to come to hospitals unless there is a medical emergency, to follow the advice of their OB-GYNs and to adhere to local curfews.

State and Federal Support

In recognition of the potential impact of Hurricane Milton, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a public health emergency to aid in the healthcare response. This declaration signals a coordinated federal response to support state efforts in addressing the storm’s effects on the healthcare system.

Additionally, the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard have been activated to assist with search and rescue operations, route clearance, and the distribution of supplies. This support aims to ensure that healthcare facilities and personnel have access to the resources they need to maintain essential services during and after the hurricane.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida’s healthcare system is mobilizing resources and implementing contingency plans to mitigate the storm’s impact on patient care and staff safety. With the support of state and federal agencies, healthcare providers are working tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the community are met during this challenging time.

Nurses and medical professionals are taking to social media to share how they are preparing to work through the storm. 

@beachgem10 Day one of hospital lock down for Hurricane Milton. @Jim O’Donnell and I are working the emergency dept and we’re watching the weather closely. The track is moving south, which puts other people, including my friends and family in danger, so while I feel some relief for myself, I’m worried for them #hurricane #hospital #milton #emergency #flood ♬ original sound – Beachgem10

Crisis nurses deploy to areas of natural disasters or crises to deliver much-needed aid. Our full career guide walks you through the requirements and description. However, if you’re looking to volunteer in crisis areas, here are reputable organizations actively seeking nurses: 

National Organizations:

• American Red Cross: Provides emergency assistance and disaster relief services throughout the United States.
• Samaritan’s Purse: A Christian relief and evangelism organization that responds to disasters around the world.
• Team Rubicon: A veteran-led disaster relief organization.

Nursing-Specific Organizations:

• RN Response Network (RNRN): A network of registered nurses who volunteer their time to provide medical care in disaster-stricken areas.

Remember: When volunteering for disaster relief, it’s essential to research the organization thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your values and has a proven track record of effective response.