By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Major winter and ice storms can test every facet of a healthcare facility’s infrastructure. With extreme cold, prolonged power outages and unpredictable conditions becoming more common, preparation and coordination are vital to maintaining safe, uninterrupted operations. 

Healthcare Facilities Today spoke with Carey Sealy, managing director of ATG Enterprise Services at JLL, about the systems facilities teams should prioritize, how to reduce the risk of winter-related building failures and what inspections are critical once the storm has passed. 

HFT: What are the top two or three systems healthcare facilities should focus on first when preparing for major winter or ice storms?  

Carey Sealy: The first thing we always prioritize — because our teams are on the ground with healthcare organizations — is safety first, both personal safety and patient safety. As the storm approaches, we ask everyone to prepare for extreme cold. 

We also focus heavily on communication such as setting up storm tracking, business continuity plans, daily calls and event trackers in our technology systems. All of those macro-level preparations are put in place early.  

Hospitals also need to look closely at where patients would need to access care, prioritizing safety around walkways, entryways and access points for emergency vehicles. That is a major focus.  

The second big piece us preparing for business and operational continuity in case something does go wrong — whether that is roof leaks, utility failures, power outages or emergency waiting areas getting too cold. Pulling all of those continuity and operational plans together are two main things we focus on early to prepare for a storm. 

HFT: Ice storms often cause long, unpredictable power outages. What should facilities teams double-check now to ensure backup power systems will perform when conditions are at their worst?  

Sealy: When it comes to power outages, we recommend a few key things. First is winterizing HVAC systems — air handlers in particular — to prevent freezing or cracking. We also advise healthcare organizations to protect plumbing to avoid pipe bursts and potential flooding.  

Another critical step is validating and verifying backup power — making sure generators are ready, fuel levels are sufficient and tanks are full and refreshed.  

For longer-duration outages, we recommend having emergency supplies on hand, including adequate stock of critical and life-saving equipment. In some cases, that also means establishing redundant power systems.  

Finally, we encourage facilities to stock up on de-icing supplies and ensure winter emergency kits are fully replenished and ready to go. 

HFT: How can hospitals reduce the risk of winter-related building failures—such as frozen pipes, roof leaks or ice dams—before a storm hits?  

Sealy: It really comes down to protecting plumbing to avoid pipe bursts and winterizing HVAC air handlers. Another basic but important step is checking for roof vulnerabilities —conducting a solid facility condition assessment to identify areas where the roof may be compromised. From a prevention standpoint, it is really about plumbing protection, HVAC winterization and making sure emergency and backup power systems are in place. 

HFT: What strategies help facilities maintain safe access for staff, patients, and emergency vehicles during prolonged snow and ice events?  

Sealy: One of the first things we recommend is having adequate de-icing supplies on hand. We also strongly encourage having snow and ice removal plans in place for entrances, walkways and parking lots so emergency vehicles, patients and staff can safely access the facility.  

Another key step is activating vendors or suppliers for snow removal and de-icing ahead of time. Get those suppliers set up in your systems, leverage technology where possible and schedule visits in advance. Make sure work orders are in place so snow and ice removal happens in a timely manner.  

That same approach applies to other needs as well, whether it is utility failures, snow removal or bringing in portable heaters for key patient areas when temperatures drop. Planning and coordination are really at the core of all of this. 

HFT: Once the storm passes, what inspections or checks should facilities teams prioritize to identify damage that may not be immediately visible? 

Sealy: Roof leaks are something to watch closely. Continued de-icing is also critical, especially when a storm brings extreme cold during and after the event. The other major concern is plumbing. As temperatures begin to thaw, protecting plumbing to prevent pipe bursts and flooding becomes especially important. That’s one of those key areas facilities really need to stay ahead of. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.