After a tornado strikes, it leaves a trail of devastation — damaged buildings, disrupted services, and, in the case of healthcare organizations, interrupted patient care. Recovery in these critical settings isn’t just about rebuilding structures; it’s about restoring essential services, supporting staff and patients, and learning from the event to build greater resilience.
How to respond after a tornado
Tornado recovery is complex, but healthcare organizations can navigate the aftermath more effectively with the proper preparation and response plan.
Here are key steps to help you recover after a tornado, along with resources to support each phase of the process.
1. Ensure immediate safety and account for staff and patients
Immediately after a tornado, your top priority is safety. Confirm that all patients, staff, and visitors are safe and accounted for. Conduct headcounts and assess injuries. If your facility is structurally compromised, initiate evacuation procedures per your emergency plan.
Resource: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers guidance on emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols in its Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operation Plans guide, which is valuable for pre- and post-disaster planning.
2. Activate emergency operations and incident command systems
If your facility hasn’t already activated its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or Incident Command System (ICS), do so immediately. These frameworks streamline communication, assign roles, and allow faster coordination with external agencies such as emergency responders, utility companies, and public health departments.
Resource: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ASPR TRACIE provides a comprehensive toolkit on healthcare emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, including ICS templates and decision-support tools.
3. Assess facility damage and utility failures
Conduct a structural assessment with a certified inspector or facilities team before reentry. Evaluate utilities such as power, water, HVAC, medical gases, and any hazardous materials exposure. Keep a record of all damages and take photographs for insurance and federal assistance purposes.
Resource: Use FEMA’s Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide to conduct damage assessment after a disaster.
4. Communicate clearly and often
Communication is critical during disaster recovery. Internally, update staff and patients regularly using all available channels — email, intranet, and text alerts. Externally, inform the community and partners about service availability, relocation sites (if applicable), and timelines for resuming operations.
Resource: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) manual to help healthcare organizations communicate effectively during emergencies and disasters.
5. Coordinate patient transfers and continuity of care
Patient transfers may be necessary if your facility is non-operational or limited in capacity. After a tornado, it’s important to prioritize vulnerable populations, such as those with chronic conditions or mobility issues. Make sure medical records, medications, and support equipment accompany each patient.
Resource: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a Medical Operations Coordination Centers Toolkit, offering guidance on patient movement and coordination during disasters.
6. Support staff well-being and recovery
Disasters take a toll on healthcare workers, both physically and emotionally. Provide access to mental health support, flexible scheduling, and temporary housing or transportation assistance if needed. Also, recognize the resilience and dedication of your team to maintain morale.
Resource: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a Disaster Distress Helpline and offers tip sheets for staff support following disasters.
7. Restore services in phases
Recovery after a tornado doesn’t happen overnight. Depending on your facility type, prioritize the restoration of critical functions, such as emergency care, dialysis, or long-term care services. Work with local and state health departments to align recovery with public health needs.
Resource: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers Guidance for Reopening Healthcare Facilities After Water and Wind Damage, providing detailed steps for cleaning and restoring healthcare facilities after significant damage.
8. Document recovery expenses for reimbursement
Keep detailed records of all recovery costs, including temporary staffing, repairs, transportation, and equipment replacement. This documentation is critical for submitting claims to FEMA’s Public Assistance Program or applying for other federal and state recovery aid.
Resource: FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide offers clear instructions on what expenses are eligible and how to file claims effectively.
9. Debrief and update emergency plans
Once immediate recovery efforts are stabilized, conducting an after-action review (AAR) with key staff is essential. Assess what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved. Include input from clinical, administrative, and facilities teams. Use this opportunity to update emergency protocols, training materials, and supply inventories.
Resource: FEMA’s After-Action Review User Guide (November 2023) suggests steps to complete an after-action review process. This guide can help your organization evaluate its response after a tornado and implement targeted improvements to strengthen future preparedness.
Final thoughts on recovering after a tornado
Recovering after a tornado is a long, demanding process — but healthcare organizations play a crucial role in community recovery. By following structured protocols, leveraging available resources, and supporting your staff and patients, you can rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.
Preparedness today makes for a faster, safer recovery tomorrow. Don’t wait until the next storm hits to plan your next steps.
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