Disaster-Proof Your Clinical and Billing Records

▸ Ask your local emergency management office if your facility is located in a flood plain. Find out the history of flooding in your area. Determine the elevation of your facility in relation to streams, rivers, and dams.

▸ Learn about community evacuation plans from your local emergency management office.

▸ Establish facility shutdown procedures. Make plans for assisting employees who may need transportation.

▸ Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup. Listen for flood watches and warnings.

▸ Get information about flood insurance from your insurance carrier. Regular property and casualty insurance does not cover flooding.

If a hurricane or other major weather event is being forecast, consider taking these actions ahead of time:

▸ Clear out areas with extensive glass frontage as much as possible. If you have shutters, use them; otherwise, use precut plywood to board up doors and windows.

▸ Remove outdoor hanging signs.

▸ Bring inside or secure any objects that might become airborne and cause damage in strong winds.

▸ Store as much equipment as high as possible off the floor, especially goods that could be in short supply after the storm.

▸ Move equipment that cannot be stored away from glass and cover it with tarpaulins or heavy plastic.

▸ Place sandbags in spaces where water could enter.

▸ Move papers from lower drawers to cabinet tops.