Welcome to Boone County Hospital

Severe Winter Storms

PURPOSE:
To prepare for the event of severe winter storms.

GENERAL:
The two types of winter storms are snow storms and ice storms.

1. Snow storms are described as snow ranging from flurries to blizzard conditions. The following conditions are characteristic of a blizzard and are expected to last for a minimum of three hours:

Winds of 35 mph or greater,

Significant amounts of falling snow or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile,

Low temperatures are no longer a criteria of a blizzard, but temperatures below 20 degrees F are considered life threatening in combination with the above listed conditions.

2. Ice storms are described as freezing rain that forms a layer of ice on roads, power lines and other objects.

WARNINGS:
Winter storm watches are issued by the National Weather Service when a significant storm is approaching an area. A watch is upgraded to a warning when heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected. A blizzard warning will be issued when blizzard conditions are anticipated.

PREPARATION:
In preparation of a severe winter storm the following provisions have been made:

Test communication and warning systems.

Assist local la enforcement and emergency agencies in developing and maintaining emergency management plans including severe winter storm plans. Review the adequacy of snow removal plans and resources.

Review and update mutual aid agreements.

Designate shelter areas and release information on their locations to the general public.

Implement notification procedures during winter storm warning status.

Prepare to organize the possible evacuation and sheltering of area residents.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE:
Take measures to preserve life and property. Such measures may include:

Dispatch of rescue teams;

Evacuation of affected populations;

Direct emergency response to deal with injuries, flooding, downed power lines, power failures, traffic accidents and delays and the acquisition of snow removal resources;

Respond with mutual aid as needed;

Provide information on community resources to local residents in need of assistance in obtaining food, lodging, heat or other necessities;

Provide status reports to Emergency Management agency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Chief Executive Officer/Designee shall:

Upon assessment of the emergency situation, he/she will delegate responsibilities to hospital personnel.

Coordinates efforts with local agencies.

Delegates authority to department managers to utilize their resources and personnel in response to the emergency.

Orders evacuation as necessary.

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207