Plan Ahead for CRMH Electrical Upgrade Feb. 28

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, Facility and Emergency Management & Safety teams are overseeing a planned upgrade to CRMH’s power sources.

The upgrade will switch CRMH’s power source to a cogeneration system, which improves our resiliency while also updating the power grid.

During an estimated 45 minutes between 2 and 5 a.m., the hospital will be on full generator power, and there will be planned periodic outages/downtimes at CRMH.

Operational leaders are meeting regularly with event facilitators to prepare and sharing planned impacts with frontline teams.

Throughout the morning of the event, an Alertus banner will display on the top of CMC desktop screens, and Inside Carilion will have an alert page sharing real-time updates and resources with employees.

“There has been extensive, dedicated planning leading into this event that includes stakeholders from the entire system,” said Craig Bryant, director of Emergency Management. “Given Roanoke Memorial’s role in supporting the entire footprint, we’ve strategically worked with system leaders to ensure preparedness and situational awareness.”

How To Prepare, What To Expect

Operational leaders will push out updates as Carilion Alerts via Everbridge. Be sure that you have the latest app installed if you’d like to receive the alerts. 

For employees at CRMH:

• Make sure you can access your downtime procedures and continuity plans ahead of the event.
• Charge your mobile carts in advance of the 2 a.m. switchover.
• Have IV pumps and vital sign machines charged before the event.
• Plug your unit’s critical equipment into red outlets.
• Elevator availability will be reduced. If appropriate, please consider using stairs as able to leave open elevators available for patient transport.
• Lighting may be reduced. Prepare accordingly with your unit.

If the event is postponed or extended for any reason, we’ll provide updates here on Inside Carilion and by using Everbridge. If you have any issues or concerns ahead of or during the event, please work with your manager.