When a flash flood or storm leaves local communities flooded, caring for patients can be very challenging, even for well-equipped hospitals. The number of people seeking shelter and medical attention can seem overwhelming at first, but there are several things physicians and other health professionals can do to cut down on the chaos. Here are just a few:

Plan ahead. Most hospitals have emergency response plans, but there are many ways to tailor yours during specific times of the year. For example, the start of hurricane season (June 1) is a great time to review your policies and anticipate new challenges.

Stock up on supplies. When Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico in 2017, many hospitals throughout the U.S. struggled to get their hands on intravenous bags, since a majority of the domestic suppliers of this medical device were located on the island. Regardless of where damage may strike, hospitals should regularly evaluate their stock of supplies and closely monitor the areas of the country that are home to medical suppliers.

Have a restoration company on speed dial. Planning ahead doesn’t always guarantee protection from storm damage and flooding. Thankfully, we have experts who specialize in water restoration for hospitals. Find the DKI company closest to you that offers the services you need.