By Dan Hounsell

While COVID-19 might have drained a great deal of time and energy away from emergency planning and response in healthcare facilities, managers need to stay vigilant when it comes to ensuring their facilities and operations can withstand the next crisis, such as tornadoes.

The 2021 tornado season was billed to be unpredictable, but April and May saw fewer and weaker tornadoes. But not all tornado seasons will be like 2021. It’s never too early to start preparing for next year, as a thorough emergency preparedness plan takes a good deal of time, effort and talent, according to Healthcare Construction+Operations.

Tornado preparedness involves three steps that managers should take now to ensure staff can act quickly during the next tornado season.

For example, a hazard vulnerability assessment throughout the facilities can help determine where issues could arise and what areas are safe. The tornado plan also should include contingencies on what’s happening on top or outside of the facility due to such factors as construction and outdoor work.