PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency’s playbook to safeguard electricity supplies for critical health care facilities during disasters, “Protecting Patients When Disaster Strikes,” was unveiled at Women & Infants Hospital Aug. 24.
The playbook includes inventory material, emergency power-supply contacts, facility manager checklists and reporting information, and is comprised of a four-phase planning process to help facilities safeguard their emergency power systems and expedite power restoration. The four phases are:
- An assessment of potential power vulnerabilities and guidance on how to address vulnerabilities before a disaster occurs.
- Guidance on how facilities can ensure reliable emergency power, should the grid go down.
- Guidance on how to operate while under emergency conditions and how to sustain efforts during emergency power operations for four days or longer.
- Information on the post-disaster recovery process, and how to best learn as an organization and most effectively prepare for subsequent emergencies.
“Climate change and cyberthreats are just two of the emerging issues we must be mindful of as we look forward and work to secure Rhode Island’s power infrastructure,” said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, director of the R.I. Department of Health.
Rhode Island is the first state to implement the initiative and is intended as a nationwide model, according to RIEMA.
“At Women & Infants Hospital, the safety of our patients, visitors and staff is of utmost importance, and ensuring our readiness to respond in the case of an emergency or a disaster is critical,” said Diane Rafferty, interim president and chief operating officer, Women & Infants Hospital. “We are proud to be able to work collaboratively with the state agencies and other health care providers in planning for emergencies. This playbook will now be one more valuable tool in our preparedness toolbox.”
Although the event was held at Women & Infants Hospital, it’s intended for all health care facilities, including nursing homes, health centers and assisted living communities, as well as other community organizations.
“Rhode Island is susceptible to power outages stemming from natural disasters such as hurricanes, winter storms, floods, as well as human-caused and technological incidents. Protecting our citizenry and critical infrastructure is the top priority of our agency. Therefore, it is crucial that we work together as a state to assist critical facilities that are dependent on power to provide support to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable populations,” said RIEMA Director Peter Gaynor.
A copy of the playbook will be distributed to health care facilities and community partners through the state.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. You can email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
