Massachusetts General Hospital

Emergency preparedness: Would you be ready for a disaster?

09/Jan/2009

Several major ice storms already have hit Massachusetts this winter, leaving thousands without electricity for days on end. Would you be ready for such a situation or an emergency of another type?

The MGH Emergency Preparedness (EP) Committee reminds MGH employees of the following steps to prepare for an emergency:

• Develop a family disaster plan. Have a home disaster kit and family communications planin place.
• Know your MGH department’s disaster plan and where to report in the case of an emergency.
• Keep your contact information up-to-date with your department and in PeopleSoft.
• Remember to take your employee ID home to have immediate access to your badge when not at the hospital.

In the event of a disaster:

• If on-site, report to your supervisor and stay on-site until dismissed.
• If not on-site and asked to respond, you must show your ID and enter the hospital through the Gray Lobby entrance on Blossom Street.
• Remain calm and flexible. You may be asked to fulfill an assignment or perform functions not normally part of your role.

Although the steps described above apply to employees, there are tips anyone can follow to prepare for an emergency at home or work. To help MGHers and visitors be ready for times of crisis, the MGH EP Committee will host an information table Jan. 14, from 7 am to 5 pm in the Main Corridor. Passersby can speak with emergency preparedness experts and obtain useful information as well as free emergency preparedness giveaways. Those who complete a short quiz automatically will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win one of two home emergency kits. All are encouraged to stop by the table to access helpful information.

For more information about preparing for emergencies, contact David Reisman, administrative director of Emergency Preparedness, at (617) 724-4163 or dreisman@partners.org.