Dealing with water outages

Planning can help ensure an outage does not cause a hospital shut-down


Healthcare facilities management industry leaders have conducted planning exercises to help facilities managers create emergency water supply plans (EWSPs), according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

The 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide for Hospitals and Health Care Facilities” recommends that a EWSP team consist of representatives from facilities management; administration or management; environmental compliance, health and safety; infection control and prevention; risk management; nursing; medical services; emergency management; and security. 

External partners should include local public water departments, state drinking water agencies, local public health departments, local fire departments and the local department responsible for water reclamation and purification.

Thorough EWSP preparation should include analyzing emergency supply alternatives, developing the facility’s plan and then regularly exercising the plan.

It also should include lists of EWSP alternatives, operational protocols such as water treatment and testing, implementation timelines and a plan for recovery.

Read the article.

 

 



February 18, 2015


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


Vandalia Health, Mary Free Bed Break Ground on New Rehabilitation Hospital

The new hospital will feature three stories and more than 93,000 square feet dedicated to comprehensive rehabilitation services.


Why New Era of Care Demands an Ambulatory Facilities Approach

The shift from hospital-centric to ambulatory care has outpaced most health systems’ operating models, creating urgency for a new facilities management playbook.


ClearSky Health Plans New Medical Rehabilitation Hospital in North Carolina

The hospital will provide specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabling injuries or illnesses.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.