Fire that threatened Amarillo hospital district brought potential evacuation lessons

Office of Emergency Management director discusses preparing for a worst-case scenario


A grass fire that brought the possibility of evacuations within the hospital district in Amarillo, Texas, raised discussions on preparing for the worst case scenario, according to an article on the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal website.

An estimated 400 acres of land was charred in the blaze. There were no injuries, damaged structures or evacuations; although responders said they were in constant communication with hospital personnel throughout the duration of the effort to contain the fire.

“When faced with circumstances that may call for evacuations, the Emergency Operations Center is not on the scene,” Office of Emergency Management Director Chip Orton said. “The persons who make the evacuation call are typically police and fire. They are on the front line, have thorough knowledge of the threat and let us know.”

Orton said while hospitals and businesses have their own evacuation plans, the police and fire departments coordinate with city management and a myriad of other city departments and agencies to maintain constant communication as a means of providing the necessary lead time to ensure a safe transition.

Read the article.

 

 



March 28, 2018


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design

How a 20th Century industrial building became a safe space for youth seeking mental health support.


Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health

Following the close, expected November 1, 2026, the centers will operate under Prisma Health Urgent Care.


Modoc Medical Center Discloses Data Breach

Modoc reported the event to federal law enforcement and appropriate government regulators.


Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.