Ethan Rhodes
MD Anderson Cancer Center has been affected by storms in the past, most notably Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Allison 16 years before that. During Hurricane Harvey, the hospital remained operational and provided continuous care for its patients, despite the flooding in Houston. The hospital's workforce showed great teamwork and dedication, ensuring that patients had access to food and receiving crucial supplies, staff, and blood donations. MD Anderson's buildings did not sustain any flooding thanks to the installation of floodgates, although there were minor leaks. The hospital also provided guidance to prevent illnesses associated with floodwaters and standing water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the storm | Hurricane Harvey |
| Date of the storm | August 25, 2017 |
| Impact on the hospital | No flooding, minor leaks |
| Impact on the surrounding areas | Flooding, impassable roads |
| Impact on the patients | Rescheduled appointments, continued treatment |
| Impact on the staff | On-site for several days, provided food |
| Preparedness | Incident Command Center, 75-79 floodgates, cots |
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What You'll Learn
MD Anderson remained operational during Tropical Storm Allison
MD Anderson Cancer Center is located in the Texas Medical Center. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison dumped 5 feet of water on the area, causing nine nearby hospitals to flood or lose power. MD Anderson remained operational during Tropical Storm Allison, but the storm changed how the cancer center thought about natural disasters.
MD Anderson's Main Building, which houses the inpatient hospital, outpatient clinics, and research labs, sustained damage to electrical systems and medical equipment in the basement. The storm's impact led to a shift in how the center positioned critical equipment. Janet Sisolak, director of MD Anderson's capital projects, reflected on the transformative effect of Allison, highlighting a newfound perspective on facility management and critical equipment placement.
The cancer center's ability to maintain operations during Tropical Storm Allison can be attributed to extensive emergency planning, collaboration, and a strong commitment to patients. This resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated the center's dedication to uninterrupted patient care. MD Anderson's workforce exemplified teamwork and dedication by going above and beyond to ensure continuous care for their patients.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Allison, MD Anderson took proactive measures to enhance its resilience against future storms. The center installed shutters outside the intensive care unit and applied protective film to the windowpanes of all patient care rooms. These improvements demonstrated the center's commitment to safeguarding its patients and adapting to the lessons learned from past weather events.
MD Anderson's response to Tropical Storm Allison and subsequent storms, such as Hurricane Harvey, showcases the center's resilience and unwavering dedication to patient care. The center's comprehensive emergency planning, collaboration, and commitment to patients have been instrumental in maintaining operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their care.
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Hurricane Harvey: MD Anderson's Incident Command Center
Hurricane Harvey was an unprecedented storm that caused flooding in many parts of Houston and the Gulf Coast. MD Anderson's Incident Command Center (ICC) was activated on Wednesday, August 23, bringing together leaders responsible for coordinating emergency operations and communications. The team met four times before Hurricane Harvey's landfall.
The activation of the ICC was just one part of MD Anderson's extensive emergency planning, collaboration and a strong commitment to patients. The cancer center had 18 incident-specific emergency plans that accounted for bad weather, fires, and acts of violence. The plans were developed based on past experiences with storms like Tropical Storm Allison, which caused significant damage to the Texas Medical Center 16 years before Hurricane Harvey.
During Hurricane Harvey, MD Anderson's workforce demonstrated exceptional teamwork and dedication to maintaining continuous patient care. They were led by Marian Von-Maszewski, whose training and experience in crisis situations proved invaluable in her role as incident commander. The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) provided crucial support by bringing in supplies, staff, and blood donations.
The impact of the storm on MD Anderson was significant. The heavy flooding turned streets into rivers, and the ICC was forced to close the institution due to unsafe travel conditions. Despite these challenges, the MD Anderson community pulled together to care for patients and each other. Their response inspired admiration from the University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven, who visited the center to express his gratitude.
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MD Anderson's floodgates and building protection
The MD Anderson Cancer Center has implemented several measures to protect its buildings and patients from storms and flooding. One of the most notable measures is the installation of floodgates.
In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison caused significant damage to the MD Anderson campus, dumping 5 feet of water on the Texas Medical Center and causing nine nearby hospitals to flood or lose power. This storm changed how the cancer center approached natural disasters and prompted them to undertake a major flood mitigation project.
MD Anderson sought a permanent and aesthetically pleasing flood control solution that would not require the storage of flood panels or active measures that had failed during Allison. They selected FloodBreak Automatic Floodgates, a system that provides permanent flood protection without the need for human intervention or power. These floodgates are designed to blend seamlessly with the campus architecture, remaining hidden beneath entryways to allow unimpeded access unless a flood occurs. The floodgates are surrounded by a floodwall, and in the event that floodwaters breach this defence, the basement is compartmentalized with submarine-grade steel doors.
In preparation for Hurricane Harvey in 2017, MD Anderson's Incident Command Center was activated, coordinating emergency operations and communications. Crews installed 79 floodgates to protect the campus from the impending storm. During the hurricane, the MD Anderson workforce demonstrated exceptional teamwork, ensuring continuous patient care and maintaining their commitment to those riding out the storm at the hospital.
The cancer center's resilience in the face of past weather emergencies, such as Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Ike in 2008, has strengthened its ability to respond to and protect against future storms. These experiences have led to improvements in emergency preparedness, crisis leadership, and the implementation of protective measures like shutters and protective films on windows.
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MD Anderson's continuous patient care during the storm
MD Anderson's continuous patient care during Hurricane Harvey was a testament to the hospital's resilience and dedication to its patients. Here is an overview of how MD Anderson ensured uninterrupted care during the storm:
Emergency Preparedness and Response:
MD Anderson activated its Incident Command Center on August 23, two days before Hurricane Harvey made landfall. The team met several times to coordinate emergency operations and communications. The hospital also began installing 79 floodgates to protect the main building from high waters, a lesson learned from Tropical Storm Allison 16 years prior.
Staff Dedication and Teamwork:
Despite the challenging conditions, MD Anderson's staff demonstrated unwavering dedication to their patients. Many staff members left their homes and families to brave high water and uncertain travel conditions to get to the hospital. Approximately 1,000 employees remained on-site for several days to ensure consistent and quality care for over 500 patients and their families.
Prioritizing Patient Needs:
Outpatient services were suspended during the week of the flood. However, recognizing the urgency of cancer treatments, radiation oncology staff drove to the hospital and worked long hours to provide radiation treatments to those patients who could safely reach the hospital. MD Anderson's radiation oncologists understood the importance of uninterrupted cancer treatment to prevent the disease from returning.
Collaboration and Leadership:
The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) played a crucial role in bringing in supplies, staff, and blood donations. University of Texas Police Department Assistant Police Chief Vicki King coordinated with the Houston Police Department and the City of Houston to transport vital blood donations and staff. Additionally, Marian Von-Maszewski's training and experience in crisis management proved invaluable in her role as an incident commander during the hurricane response.
Resilience and Adaptability:
MD Anderson's extensive emergency planning, collaboration, and commitment to patients were key factors in maintaining operations during the storm. Past weather emergencies, such as Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Ike, had prepared the hospital to handle natural disasters more effectively. The hospital utilized FEMA funds to improve storm drainage systems and installed shutters and protective films on windows to withstand high winds and debris.
MD Anderson's response to Hurricane Harvey showcased the hospital's unwavering commitment to patient care, even in the face of unprecedented weather events. The dedication of its staff, combined with comprehensive emergency planning and adaptability, ensured that patients received continuous and quality care throughout the storm.
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MD Anderson's post-storm advice for Houston residents
MD Anderson Cancer Center has a history of weathering storms and safeguarding its patients and employees. The center's response to Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Harvey demonstrated its resilience and commitment to continuous patient care. Here are some insights into MD Anderson's post-storm recovery and advice for Houston residents:
MD Anderson's Resilience and Preparedness:
- Hurricane Harvey: In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused significant flooding in Houston. MD Anderson activated its Incident Command Center, installed floodgates, and maintained continuous patient care during and after the storm.
- Tropical Storm Allison: In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison dumped 5 feet of water on the Texas Medical Center, causing flooding and power outages. MD Anderson sustained damage but remained operational, learning valuable lessons in disaster preparedness.
Post-Storm Advice for Houston Residents:
- Appointment Rescheduling: Following storms, MD Anderson works diligently to reschedule appointments for patients affected by cancellations due to weather conditions. Patients can contact the center to reschedule and receive assistance with travel arrangements and accommodations.
- Infection Prevention: Floodwaters and standing water can increase the risk of infections. MD Anderson advises taking preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, cleaning and covering wounds, limiting exposure to mold, and getting recommended vaccinations.
- Medical Record Accessibility: MD Anderson encourages patients to create a MyChart account to access their medical records electronically from anywhere, which can be helpful if patients need medical assistance from another provider during or after a storm.
- Scheduling Changes: Before a storm's landfall, MD Anderson may shut down certain services, including clinic appointments, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and intensive treatments. Patients should anticipate these scheduling changes and stay updated through local media, MD Anderson's Emergency Alert Information, and social media channels.
- Continuous Patient Care: MD Anderson prioritizes patient care during storms. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, outpatient services were temporarily suspended, but radiation oncologists continued treatments for patients who could safely reach the hospital.
MD Anderson's post-storm advice emphasizes the center's commitment to patient care and safety. By providing guidance on appointment rescheduling, infection prevention, and accessing medical records, they ensure that Houston residents can navigate the challenges posed by storms while still receiving the critical healthcare services they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, MD Anderson Hospital was affected by Hurricane Harvey. However, the hospital did not sustain any flooding thanks to the installation of 75 flood gates.
Yes, the Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Department rescheduled appointments for 200 patients when floodwaters made roads impassable.
Yes, MD Anderson maintained its focus on patients throughout the storm. A group of nearly 1,000 employees stayed on-site to ensure consistent care for over 500 patients and their families.
While floodwaters and standing water can increase the risk of infection, MD Anderson provided a list of precautions to prevent illness, including keeping hands clean, covering wounds, and limiting exposure to mold.
