Understanding Disaster Risks and Protecting Patient Care

Author: Andrew Jones, DVM, Veterinary Risk Specialist

Pharmacies and healthcare practices prepare every day for medical emergencies, critical patients, and unexpected clinical situations. Yet many organizations remain vulnerable to a different category of risk that can be just as disruptive: natural disasters and severe weather events.

This article is the first in a three-part series examining how practices can prepare for disasters, maintain continuity during disruptions, and build long-term organizational resilience.

Understanding Today's Risk Landscape

Natural disasters can affect virtually any practice, regardless of location. Fires, floods, severe storms, earthquakes, and winter weather events each present unique challenges that can interrupt operations and threaten patient care.

Fires remain one of the most damaging events a healthcare facility can experience. Beyond the immediate danger, smoke and soot residue can contaminate equipment, damage building materials, and create ongoing health concerns long after flames have been extinguished.

Flooding is another significant threat. While often associated with coastal regions and areas next to bodies of water, flooding can occur almost anywhere due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or overwhelmed drainage systems. Water damage can affect building structures, inventory, medical supplies, and critical equipment. Even after floodwaters recede, mold growth and contamination issues may persist.

Severe storms frequently create multiple hazards at once. High winds, hail, heavy rain, lightning, and power outages can significantly disrupt operations. Practices and pharmacies with refrigerated medications, vaccines, and temperature-sensitive products may face additional challenges during extended outages.

Earthquakes and extreme winter weather present their own concerns. Earthquakes can damage equipment and infrastructure with little warning, while winter storms can lead to frozen pipes, structural damage, power loss, and dangerous travel conditions for staff and clients.

Protecting Patient Care During Disruptions

Disaster preparedness is not simply about protecting buildings and equipment. Its primary purpose is preserving the practice's ability to provide safe, effective patient care.

When critical systems are compromised, leaders must carefully evaluate whether services can continue at an appropriate standard of care. In some cases, referrals or temporary service reductions may be necessary to protect patient outcomes.

Practices with patients kept onsite, such as veterinary clinics, face additional considerations. Hospitalized and boarded patients may require evacuation, relocation, specialized care, and backup resources during prolonged disruptions.

What You Can Do Today to Prepare for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can happen at any time and are often unexpected. There are steps you can take now to prepare for business disruptions, including:

• Conduct a hazard assessment for your facility.
• Identify the disasters most likely to affect your area.
• Inventory critical equipment, medications, and supplies.
• Establish referral relationships with nearby practices.
• Review evacuation and relocation procedures.
• Develop client communication protocols.
• Verify employee emergency contact information.
• Evaluate backup power needs for patient care and medical equipment.

Coming Next

Understanding potential threats is only the first step. Acting now can help your practice respond with greater confidence and keep patient care at the center of every decision.

In Part 2, we’ll explore compliance requirements and practical business continuity planning strategies that can help your practice stay prepared and continue operating when disaster strikes.

Sources

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/what_to_know.htm

https://ready.iowa.gov/disasters-emergencies/floods

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com

https://www.mtu.edu/geo/community/seismology/learn/earthquake-take-action/

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/workplace-fires/

https://disaster.unl.edu/businesses-communities/flood-preparation-businesses/

https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/small-and-medium-businesses/secure-your-business