What’s Next? How We Prepare for an Emergency and What You Can Do

2020 has been quite a year for emergencies. Beyond the pandemic, we have faced flooding, threats of tornadoes, security situations—and that’s just us!

September is the time of year when many organizations review their emergency plans. Since CRMH is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the region, and our neighbors rely on our community hospitals every day, it is important for us to be prepared for any emergency situations that may arise.

Our region is counting on us.

A Team Approach

Following the 9/11 terror attacks, we developed an Incident Command Team (ICT) at each of our hospitals. With the pandemic and several other regional events, we’ve taken a system-wide approach to incident command.

The team is made up of clinical and non-clinical leaders from across departments who come together to decide the best course of action for any incident or emergency situation—from widespread regional flooding to a power outage affecting part of one of our hospitals.

On call 24/7, the team is able to assemble quickly to handle any situation that may occur. They also meet monthly and perform annual drills to practice and stay prepared for incidents.

In 2020, we have activated our Incident Command Teams three times so far. Learn more about ICT and see the team in action in this video.

Where to Look for Emergency Communications

During an incident involving Carilion, you may be notified by your preferred means of communication using Carilion Clinic Alerts. We will tell you the location of the incident, the nature of the incident and any actions we want you to take.

Be sure that your contact information is up to date in My Total Access under the Update Work Information tab so that you receive alerts. For more information, visit the CC Alerts System page.

Prepare Yourself

September is the time of year that the federal government asks us all to look at our preparedness plans. Take a look at the links below and make sure you’re prepared for the next emergency.

• Make A Plan: Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster.
• Build A Kit: Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly.
• Prepare for Disasters: Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in our region and check your insurance coverage.
• Teach Youth About Preparedness: Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

For more information, contact Craig Bryant, Emergency Management, at csbryant@carilionclinic.org or 540-510-6528.