Domina DiBiase, Emergency Preparedness Subject Matter Expert

While the ice storm this weekend created some beautiful, shimmery trees, it also brought many of those trees down and caused widespread power outages. New sources report that around 11,000 people lost power in Connecticut from Sunday to Monday, with hundreds of people still without power. Luckily for our FQHCs, most have made it through this winter storm without any troubles!

Though they may have avoided issues this time, our FQHCs are always prepared in case of power outages and severe weather. CHCACT works closely with all Connecticut FQHCs to help them develop and update their Emergency Operations Plans. Each FQHC has specific plans for power outages, utility failures, and winter weather. Several FQHCs have generators, allowing them to continue the majority of their operations in the face of power loss. Others have plans in place to use paper documentation, close, notify patients, and reopen when power is restored.

FQHCs also have multiple ways of letting their staff, patients, and volunteers know if they are open, closed, or will be having a delay. You can find information about your FQHCs status through Facebook, Twitter, their website, the local news, and/or by giving them a call. Many centers include messaging on their automated phone systems to let clients know if they will be closed.

Most importantly, all this planning is not done alone. CHCACT also works with regional Health Care Coalitions and emergency management planning groups. By coming together with FQHCs and other health care agencies to discuss emergency preparedness, we are able to share resources, brainstorm problems, and make sure everyone is prepared. You can join the effort and get prepared for whatever might come by creating your own Personal Preparedness Plan! Head to Ready.gov for plan templates, information on how to create an emergency kit, and help preparing your family before the next winter storm!

Domina