If Tampa Bay experienced Texas-like flooding, one of its biggest, busiest hospitals would almost undoubtedly be underwater, according to an article on the WTSP website.
Tampa General Hospital, the region’s Level One Trauma Center is projected to see a 15-foot storm surge in the event of a direct hit from a CAT3 storm.
Tampa General has a system of 6-inch steel flood doors, similar to those on a submarine, lined with inflatable bladders. They’re part of water-tight system installed in recent years to protect the hospital’s critical care equipment from flood waters of up to 20 feet or more.
At ground level, the facility has massive submersible diesel tanks, but the fuel is strapped down so they don’t float away. Above the tanks, a second story room is filled with a huge air condition system. Generators powering all of it are located on the third floor.
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