Wednesday’s severe weather threat provided an opportunity for officials at South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City to test new severe weather policies under real conditions, according to spokesman Clayton Pappan.
When a tornado watch was issued for the area, “condition gray” was announced to alert employees to the potential for a severe weather emergency.
When the county was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning, “condition black” was announced for employees who might have to move patients to the lower level of the center in case a tornado became a real possibility.
“There were no evacuations or anything like that,” Pappan said. “Being a new policy, there are a few kinks that need to be worked out. But, overall, we’re pleased with the results.”
The procedure is so new that it was first tested just last week, he said.