Texas hospitals work to reduce security code confusion

Some feel there might be too many color options


Conflicting security code colors about major events — such as bomb threats, fires, power outages and dangerous weather — may be resulting in poor coordination, delays in response and confusion for patients at healthcare facilities, according to an article on the Dallas News website.

The warning systems are undergoing new scrutiny as providers coordinate efforts to prepare for threats such as infectious diseases and mass casualty events. 

In June, the Texas Hospital Association recommended that hospitals phase out cryptic color codes by replacing them with plain-language messages. 

Instead of alerts like “code red” or “code black” they suggest the security alerts be more specific: “armed intruder on the fifth floor” or “suspicious package in the emergency room.” 

Read the article.

 

 



July 21, 2016


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

Ambulatory Care Facilities Reshape FM Strategies

Facilities management playbooks were written for acute care facilities, but ambulatory sites require a different approach.


Intermountain Foundation Receives $150M Gift for Children's Hospital in Nevada

Intermountain Health Felicia and Ben Horowitz Children’s Hospital is expected to open in 2030 at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park in southwest Las Vegas.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Wichita Falls State Hospital

The $452 million, 225-bed replacement hospital will provide inpatient psychiatric care and is expected to be completed in late 2027.


Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Wildfire Air Quality Events

Wildfire smoke puts pressure on mechanical systems already working hard to maintain controlled indoor environments.


UW Health Set to Open Expansion at East Madison Hospital

The $140 million project adds 120,000 square feet to the hospital, expanding its footprint to roughly 620,000 square feet.


 
 


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.