Even in Fort Worth TX, snow and ice can impose severe challenges on a medical facility. During these times especially, patient safety and uninterrupted operation are vital. Winter weather disruptions are devastating to any business, but for hospitals there is more than just profit at stake. Getting caught unprepared or under-prepared is absolutely not an option. Read further, and we’ll discuss strategies to be ready for and manage winter weather effectively.

Understanding the Risks
Patients in Fort Worth depend on medical facilities to be aware of the risks of winter storms, including power outages, transportation disruptions, and increased slip and fall incidents. Over-preparation isn’t pointless at all, especially after the infamous “snowpocalypse” that caught Texas off guard in 2021. We all remember the deadly impact of allocating too few resources, and underestimating storms, so it’s better to have an abundance of caution to the point of redundancy.
Developing a Comprehensive Winter Storm Plan
It is recommended that every healthcare center prepare themselves a uniquely tailored winter preparation checklist. Each medical facility has its own needs, so we advise against running any plan you find without tailoring it to fit yours. If you don’t know where to start, however, here’s some ideas to build from:
- Risk Assessment: Identify areas vulnerable to snow and ice accumulation. Power loss, heating failure, or inaccessible entrances, for example, can each be catastrophic. Make note of these weaknesses, monitor them frequently, and have a plan in place in the event of failure.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure availability of snow removal equipment and ice melt supplies. Don’t rely on as-needed, stock up or hire contractors ahead of time.
- Staffing Plans: Arrange for adequate staffing levels during storms.
Implementing Effective Snow and Ice Management For Your Medical Facility
According to the Federal Highway Administration, icy roads are responsible for over 150,000 car crashes per year. The very same conditions that may make your parking lot inaccessible will be responsible for increasing traffic to it. Clear and safe access to your medical facility should be made top priority by utilizing professional snow and ice removal services. Consider the following measures:

- Pre-Storm Preparation: Apply commercial road salt to parking lots and walkways.
- Post-Storm Cleanup: Shovel sidewalks and apply road salt again to thaw remaining ice.
Ice Melt DFW offers professional road salt (pre and post-storm) on both sidewalks and parking lots, as well as sidewalk snow shoveling. Reach us at https://icemeltdfw.com if your company or building is located in the Dallas Fort Worth area, and you are interested in getting a free quote.
Ensuring Continuous Operations
It goes without saying that hospitals and other medical centers’ services being interrupted during a storm should be avoided however possible. To maintain operational continuity:
- Backup Power Systems: Ensure generators are functional and fuel supplies are adequate.
- Communication Plans: Keep staff and patients informed of weather conditions and facility status.
- Supply Chain Management: Coordinate with suppliers to ensure delivery of essential medical supplies.
Training and Drills
Conduct regular training sessions and drills to prepare staff for winter storm scenarios. In the event of a surprise storm, everyone must know their roles and responsibilities. All the preparation, stocking up, and organizing in the world can’t save a medical facility if your employees aren’t kept up to date and reminded of the plan. Every second wasted in reaction to disaster can cost lives, and as medical professionals, it’s up to you to snap into action at a moment’s notice.
Review and Improve
Now you’ve formed your plan, you’ve made it through your first winter, and you might think you’re set. Don’t get too complacent, though. After each winter season, you should review the effectiveness of your storm plan and make improvements to implement next year. With patient safety and facility operation on the line, you can’t afford to be surprised by a worse year next time around.