September 12, 2018

HIDA Offers Resources For Hurricane Season

With Hurricane Florence quickly approaching, HIDA Government Affairs has compiled key resources including HIDA’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist to ensure the healthcare supply chain is ready. If you have facilities in the path of Hurricane Florence, we encourage you to reach out to HIDA Government Affairs with any questions.

• HIDA Government Affairs developed a “checklist” for members to assist them in preparing for emergency events. This document includes information on state Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs), Emergency Declarations put forth by governors, and information on formal access programs for re-entry.
  Get HIDA’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist►
• FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) has set up 2 dashboards to follow the weather activity in the Atlantic and the Pacific. These dashboards include information regarding NBEOC coordination calls, public safety alerts, state evacuations, situational updates, as well as maps of wind and rain forecasts. The Atlantic Dashboard covers information about Hurricane Florence and includes the FEMA Region IV private sector state re-entry information.
  View FEMA NBEOC’s Atlantic Dashboard► 
  View the Pacific Dashboard►
• The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) created the Technical Resources, Assistance Center and Information Exchange (TRACIE) to meet the information and technical needs of regional ASPR staff, healthcare entities/providers and others working in public health emergency preparedness. ASPR TRACIE has a website dedicated to hurricane-related resources, which includes a variety of information about healthcare system recovery timelines, potential public health and medical implications stemming from major hurricanes, and evacuating healthcare facilities.
  View ASPR TRACIE’s hurricane resource page►
• The All Hazards Consortium (AHC) has an alert system that you can sign up for to receive real-time information updates on state declarations and waivers, sector specific information, travel bans, and more.
  Sign up for AHC alerts►
• Additionally, all healthcare providers are now required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to have robust preparedness plans which include vendor continuity for necessities such as medical supplies. This is an opportunity to demonstrate value to customers and be an integral part of their preparedness planning.
  Read the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule►

Again, please do not hesitate to reach out to HIDA Government Affairs at HIDAGovAffairs@HIDA.org or at 703-549-4432 for further information on Hurricane Florence and if you have facilities or service facilities in the areas where the hurricane is anticipated to hit.