NUMC prepares for Irene

NuHealth is making ready for Irene's challenges. In anticipation of Hurricane Irene that could strike Long Island with devastating force, officials at the NuHealth System have been making the following preparations:

• Staff has been reviewing all support services needs, including fuel, generator capabilities, and emergency power for the campuses at NUMC, A. Holly Patterson and various health centers.

• We are reviewing all staffing levels, medication, food, water, medical and blood supplies and linens.

• We are checking all communications capabilities.

• Maintenance staff is clearing campus of debris and loose materials.

• We are checking roadways and storm drains to prevent roadway flooding.

• We are making provisions for staff to stay over.

• We are rescheduling elective surgeries.

• We are in constant communications with Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, North Shore- LIJ Health System and the Department of Health.

• We continue to monitor storm reports and provide updates to administration.

• Leadership will be present during the storm to assist staff.

• We will activate the Hospital Incident Command System.

• New emergency department (triple in size), has recently opened on the first floor (previously located on the ground floor) and will not be compromised during the storm.

• After the storm, staff will assess any damage that may have occurred during the storm.