Hurricane preparedness

HCA Houston Healthcare offers one of the most comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans to ensure our patients and our staff who care for them are safe before, during and after a storm. We have contracts with vendors from around the state and nation to provide support from on-site security to generators and food for our patients and staff. Transfer processes and plans with our network of hospitals across the country also exist should patients need to be relocated.

As an acute care hospital, our resources are committed to providing for our patients and staff who will remain here to care for them during the duration of the storm. Please note we are not a shelter and are not equipped to serve as a shelter during a storm.

Any pregnant woman who is two weeks from her due date (38 weeks gestation) or is considered high-risk may be asked to stay at the hospital in the event of a hurricane. If your physician determines that it is necessary for you to be in the hospital, arrive no later than four hours before landfall.

If you are a homebound patient or dependent on any medical device that requires electricity, please contact your physician to ask for his or her recommendation.

If you are receiving home health services, please make sure your home health provider has developed a special hurricane plan for you.

If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans.

Should you evacuate, please remember to take with you:

• Medications
• Written Care Instructions
• Special Equipment
• Bedding

If you are dependent on life support systems or on any medical device which requires electricity, you will need to make plans to relocate early for a hurricane. Power may be off for some time before, during and after a storm.