Problem

Review and evaluate a Texas based OPO's response to Hurricane Harvey. The storm hit the Texas Coast on Aug. 25, 2017 and flooded the area with 51 inches of rain over three days. The OPO had to mobilize emergency response and business continuity plans.

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When it was realized that Hurricane Harvey would have a direct impact on the OPO's DSA, the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) met to discuss a plan of action on Aug. 24, 2017. Initial steps were to determine office status for Aug. 25, 2017, make assignments for remote call center and make arrangements for procurement staff who would be working through the storm. The ELT also discussed when it would be necessary to shut down tissue operations to protect staff. It was determined that emergency supplies and surgical inventory had been ordered. A crisis communications plan was presented on Aug. 24, 2017 to discuss vetting communications that should take place. OPO's emergency notification software was tested and used for internal communications over a week. During the storm, the ELT met twice daily at 8 am and 8 pm to discuss daily activities and assess the situation. It was determined that messages would be sent to OPO employees and through what device. Office status was discussed and announced via text and email each day from Aug. 27, 2017 to Sep. 1, 2017. Each ELT member was to touch base with their staff daily. All staff was accounted for and the conditions of their homes and vehicles were noted. It also was agreed that training for disaster response needs to be conducted. Table top exercises need to be conducted to insure adequate preparation. All three Tx programs in Houston suspended operations for 5 to 7 days.

Damage Assessment

A timeline was established for return of clinical operations. Financial support was made available for employees who lost homes or vehicles.

Departmental Feedback

[middot] It was decided to incorporate staff feedback into future after action reviews.

[middot] Employee perception in regards to management leading the situation

[middot] Flow of information from the top down

[middot] Stocking survival supplies and equipment in a secure location

[middot] Improve employee payment processes

[middot] Offer training classes on disaster preparation and response

Action Items

[middot] Implementation of business continuity plan and subsequent training

[middot] Conduct after action reviews for each event, involving all OPO offices

[middot] Evaluate related policies and procedures annually

[middot] Conduct annual employee training and review involvement

[middot] Update employee emergency contact information and associated electronic systems for tracking staff.

CITATION INFORMATION: Wood R., Myer K. After Action Review of Emergency Preparedness for “Hurricane Harvey” for LifeGift Houston Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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