Hurricane Sandy is approaching quickly and a lot of questions about what to do to prepare your pharmacies for the storm are being asked. Below are some answers to questions that should help you be prepare.
1: If we loose power for an extended period of time, what do we do about creating labels for the pill bottles? Generators will keep the power to the computers. If no power, go to manually written labels. Document all fills so they can be run through the computer system once power is restored.
2. Are we required to staff the store no matter what? First rule, ensure everyone is safe. Do not take any chances. If a patient is in distress and needs medication or services that can’t be provided because of the emergency, call 911. Resume pharmacy operations as soon as it is safe.
3. Assuming we will be under a declared disaster or emergency situation, are we allowed on the road to get to the store? You are a health care professional and you have the same access rights to closed areas as a physician or an employee of a hospital. Travel only when it is safe.
4. If someone calls our posted emergency number are all "respond withing 1/2 hour regulations off? You respond only when it is safe. Have the patient call 911 if it is not safe.
5. If the business can not open or we send employees home for their safety, are their labor law rules governing pay? To my knowledge there is no specific requirement for pay and allowances. Safety is first.
Here are some more suggestions:
- Collect the emergency contact info for your employees
- Contact your staff and tell them to not come in unless they can verify someone is there to open and it is safe for them to travel
- Call other local pharmacies and discuss what their plans are and exchange contact information
- Verify backup on all computers! Make sure you have your backups in another location besides your store
- If the pharmacy is flooded, contact the Dept of Health for an inspection, State Pharmacy Board, and County Emergency Management. Health care providers have the highest priority.
