During tornado season, the two hospitals in Decatur, Ill., constantly monitor local weather and regularly revisit and practice their emergency plans, according to an article on the Herald Review website.
Decatur Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital announce severe weather watches and warnings through the hospital overhead or through the computer system. Storm spotters on staff will decide if a hospital specific tornado warning is needed.
St. Mary's emergency medical service coordinator has six radios in his office connecting him to other hospitals, storm spotters and emergency agencies.
Most intensive care unit rooms at St. Mary's and the operating rooms at Decatur Memorial don't have windows. In other rooms, curtains are closed and staff move patients and visitors into inner hallways in case of tornados.
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