Gov. Christie declared a state of emergency and the Department of Health held a briefing for healthcare providers today as the state geared up in anticipation of two looming storm threats.
New Jersey has the potential to be hit by two approaching storm fronts – heavy rains later today and tomorrow and Hurricane Joaquin early next week. The Governor’s emergency declaration allows the state to take a variety of extraordinary measures if necessary, such as limiting car travel, ordering evacuations, establishing shelters and waiving certain state regulations and requirements.
In a news conference this morning, the Governor said the state is implementing emergency staffing plans and pre-positioning resources, and he advised healthcare facilities to begin implementing appropriate emergency planning.
Meanwhile, the N.J. Department of Health held a Webinar briefing this afternoon for healthcare providers and public health agencies. Acting Commissioner Cathy Bennett said that today is a time for preparations and monitoring. She and other DOH officials stressed that healthcare providers must first ensure that their staffs and their families are secure and well prepared.
With an emergency declaration in place, DOH will not require prior waiver approval from providers for: exceeding bed capacity; additional beds; physical space requirements; and staffing qualifications. However, providers should be prepared to give DOH a written report regarding the need to deviate from the standard, as well as return to routine operations as soon as the emergency is mitigated.
DOH officials also reminded providers to be prepared to respond to the state’s HAvBED survey via Hippocrates; a baseline survey will be distributed tomorrow.
DOH staff said key action items to prepare for worsening conditions should include:
- Reviewing emergency plans
- Ensuring staffing levels
- Planning accommodations for staff, and possibly family and pets
- Testing generators and checking fuel supplies
- Testing communications equipment
- Assessing food and other supplies and contacting vendors
- Knowing how to reach key local contacts
- Working through local Offices of Emergency Management for resource requests
- Ensuring access to the Hippocrates system
- Reviewing evacuation plans
- Evaluating the possible need for waivers
- Communicating with staff, partners, patients and the community.
The latest report from the National Weather Service indicates that New Jersey is at risk for coastal flooding, and possibly inland flooding, today and tomorrow associated with the first line of heavy precipitation. Forecasters are also watching Hurricane Joaquin, which has been upgraded to Category 4 as of this afternoon. The forecast track and intensity of that storm remains highly volatile. While many models now forecast the storm veering away from the coast, New Jersey remains in the potential impact area for high winds, heavy rains and flooding.
NJHA’s Emergency Preparedness staff will continue to monitor the storms and provide regular updates to members. NJHA staff is available to provide 24/7 support to members via the hotline 1-800-457-2262. NJHA also provides hurricane preparedness resources, links and other information on its Emergency Preparedness Web pages.
