Evacuate or shelter in place: A view from the water’s edge

Mark P. Jarrett, MD, MBA, MS; Ziv Schwartz, MHA; Mark Solazzo, MBA; Eugene Tangney, MBA

doi:10.5055/jem.2018.0358

Authors

Mark P. Jarrett, MD, MBA, MS
Ziv Schwartz, MHA
Mark Solazzo, MBA
Eugene Tangney, MBA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2018.0358

Keywords:

hurricane, hospital evacuation, shelter in place

Abstract

Hospitals are faced with the difficult decision as whether to evacuate their patients or shelter in place when a strong hurricane is predicted to affect the facility. This decision must balance for patients the risk of transport with the risk of staying. This article discusses the experience of a hospital faced with this problem in two consecutive years. The approach taken differed and the evaluation of the implications are discussed.

Author Biographies

Mark P. Jarrett, MD, MBA, MS

SVP & Chief Quality Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York; Professor of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York

Ziv Schwartz, MHA

Northwell Health, New Hyde Park

Mark Solazzo, MBA

EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park

Eugene Tangney, MBA

SVP & Chief Administrative Officer, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York

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