Hurricane Dorian approaches East Coast

News | 4 years ago

Hurricane Preparedness as Surrounding Areas Feel Impact of Dorian

As the first major hurricane during the 2019 hurricane season, Hurricane Dorian has devastated several Caribbean islands and has since shifted upward toward the Southeastern United States. Follow along for tips on how to stay prepared in addition to updates on how Atrium Health is responding to the storm as it impacts nearby areas. 
(Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service)

Editor’s note: This page will serve as a resource for updates on how Atrium Health is helping those affected by Hurricane Dorian as it shifts toward the United States. Check back for the latest updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter channels for additional information.

If you need care for a minor illness or injury, use the code "DORIAN" for a FREE Virtual Visit. 

Virtual Visits are free in NC, SC and GA during the storm. Just use the code DORIAN.

Additional resources from Daily Dose:

UPDATES

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Atrium Health, in partnership with American Well, is now offering FREE Virtual Visits for anyone located in NC, SC, or GA impacted by Hurricane Dorian now through Monday, September 9*. These online video visits offer quality medical care for those suffering from minor injuries and illnesses wherever you may be 24/7. 

Commonly treated conditions include:

  • Cold and flu-like symptoms
  • Minor skin injuries 
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Lower back pain
  • Pink eye
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Use coupon code DORIAN to redeem.

Visit AtriumHealth.org/VirtualVisit for more information. 

*Valid for one (1) free Virtual Visits. Must be located in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia at the time of visit. No cash value. Offer valid from 9/4/2019-9/9/2019. 

Wednesday, September 4, 2019 

Atrium Health Expert Panel Talk Hurricane Preparedness 

As weather patterns show Hurricane Dorian moving along the East Coast, five Atrium Health experts gathered togetherto discussthings to know for hurricane preparedness, how Atrium Health is prepared for the impact of Hurricane Dorian and how teams across our numerous facilities throughout the Southeast are ready to respond.

“It’s important to remember that as humans and as Americans we recognize thatanxiety doesn’t make us feel good, but sometimes it forces us to be quite adaptive – it forces us to prepare in a flight or fight response,” says Dr. Richardson on the subject of anxiety associated with natural disasters and high-stress events. 

Panelists include: 

  • Chris Bowe, FACHE – Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Central Division, Atrium Health
  • Edward S. Kim, MD – Chair, Solid Tumor Oncology and Investigational Therapeutics, Levine Cancer Institute
  • Anne Richardson, MD -Psychiatrist at Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte
  • Kristy Hayes, BSN, CEN, NCEMTP, CMTE – Manager of Operations, Carolinas MED-1
  • Michael Gibbs, MD–Chair of Emergency Medicine, Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, Levine Children’s Hospital

What Should Cancer Patients Know withPotential Storms Ahead? 

  

As a former resident of Houston, TX, Edward Kim, MD, is a veteran when it comes to hurricanes. Having been through three mandatory evacuations with his family, he knows how tough it can be to leave your home, your pets and your personal belongings behind. However, he stresses the importance of keeping yourself safe and your family safe in the event that evacuations are ordered. Dr. Kim also shares his top tips that he wants cancer patients and other patients dealing with serious medical conditions to know as they medically prepare for the storm. 

“Our message to our patients is that you’re not alone,” says Dr. Kim. “We want you to seek out help if you’re in an area where the hurricane is going to come through – you’ll need to have a plan B.”

Hurricanes are some of the worst natural disasters thrown at us by Mother Nature. Fortunately, through improvements in science and technology, we're able to forecast these powerful storms days in advance to give people in their wake enough time to prepare for the impact. 

Ed Kim, MD, is the chair of the department of solid tumor oncology at Atrium Health's Levine Cancer Institute. He offered the following advice to folks in preparation of a hurricane hitting our area:

"These are the things we have to focus on. First, obey evacuation orders if they occur. The worst thing you can do is stay put if an evacuation is ordered. Second, if there’s not an evacuation order and you decide to stay, make sure you're in contact with friends and family so that they know that you’re safe," Dr. Kim says.  

Basic Preparedness Tips

  • Know where to go. If you’re ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
  • Put together a “go-bag,” a disaster supply kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
  • If you’re not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you’re not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
  • Make a  family emergency communication plan.
  • Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications (For example, Mecklenburg County residents can sign up for CharMeck Alerts or download the ReadyNC app on your smartphone to get alerts from wherever you are in the state). To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the internet with your town, city or county name with the word “alerts.” 

Preparing Your Home

  • Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Consider a portable generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture. And NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

What is a Hurricane Watch?

Hurricane watch =  Conditions possible within the next 48 hours. 

Steps to take:

  • Review your evacuation route(s) and listen to local officials.
  • Review the items in your disaster supply kitand add items to meet the household needs for children, parents or pets.

What is a Hurricane Warning?

Hurricane warning =  Conditions are expected within 36 hours. 

Steps to take:

  • Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
  • Check in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
  • Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.

Resources to Get Help

If you have suffered an unexpected illness or injury, you can schedule an  Urgent Care reservation  online at one of our 30 urgent care locations. And if you’re needing medical care outside of normal business hours,  Atrium Health Urgent Care – Morehead  is open 24/7. Our three specialty children’s urgent cares are additionally available to those in need. For less severe conditions, you can visit our  virtual care site  for at-home treatment.

For serious medical emergencies, Atrium Health’s emergency departments are open 24/7. If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition, call 911 right away.

If you’re evacuating, make sure you have a plan and you let your family and friends know where you’re going. If you are in need of food, water or shelter, please contact your local chapter or  find a shelter near you.

 
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ready.Gov, NCReady.org, NC Emergency Management