Perspectives

Mitigating Matthew: 5 Lessons to Help Improve Hospital Preparedness in a Hurricane

Authors: Lancer A. Scott, MD, Florence E. Hutchison, MD

Abstract

Hurricane Matthew (Fig. 1) made landfall in the United States on October 8, 2016 near McClellanville, South Carolina, located just north of Charleston. The storm caused nearly $10 to $15 billion in damages along the southeast coastline, representing the 22nd most damaging storm in US history.1 The uncertainty regarding the storm’s path and strength caused great concern for hospital emergency management officials.

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References

1. Rugaber CS, Bynum R. Hurricane Matthew could cost $10B in damages. http://torontosun.com/2016/10/12/hurricane-matthew-could-cost-10b-in-damages. Published October 12, 2016. Accessed May 30, 2017.
 
2. Etters K. Hurricane Matthew models predict one-two punch. http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2016/10/05/some-models-show-matthew-taking-double-swipe-florida/91609748. Published October 5, 2016. Accessed May 30, 2017.
 
3. Masters J. Hurricane and tropical cyclones. Hurricane forecast computer models. https://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/models.asp. Accessed May 30, 2017.
 
4. Scott LA, Smith CE, Jones EM, et al. Regional approach to competency-based patient care provider disaster training: the Center for Health Professional Training and Emergency Response (CHPTER). South Med J 2013;106:43-48.