Safety

MO hospital evacuates patients after losing roof in tornado

Emergency Management Alert, June 1, 2004

Northwest Medical Center in Albany, MO, lost its roof when a tornado ripped through the area on Monday, May 24, according to the Associated Press. No one in the hospital was injured.

As a result of the damage, the hospital lost water service and resorted to auxiliary power, sending the 10 patients at the 45-bed hospital to other hospitals in the area.

"In the dark now, it's hard to kind of assess what the total damage is," said hospital spokesman Chuck Davis. "The amount of damage is going to be significant."
Windows were blown out and water came through the roof, Davis said.

The hospital had a short amount of time to prepare for the impending tornado by moving all patients to a central hallway, the safest part of the hospital, Davis told the American Hospital Association.

Thirty minutes later, the tornado hit. Davis credits the hospital's disaster plan for the smooth transition.

The hospital will need to repair the damage, including major water leaks and the loss of its air conditioning units.

    Hospital Safety Center

  • Hospital Safety Center

    Improve compliance with hospital safety standards from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulators with this...

  • Healthcare Life Safety Compliance

    Learn Life Safety Code tips and interpretations for healthcare facilities with this in-depth monthly resource.

  • Hospital Safety Connection

    Stay on top of hospital safety requirements and best practices with our free, fast-paced weekly update.

  • Administering Your OSHA Program

    This course will help an employee new to the role of OSHA safety officer. It gives an overview of OSHA requirements and...

  • Medical OSHA Manual Combo

    Get into compliance with Quality America's OSHA Safety Program Manual and stay in compliance with OSHA Watch Newsletter...

Most Popular

Related Articles