Tampa General Hospital, a critical healthcare facility in western Florida, took proactive measures to protect its patients and infrastructure ahead of Hurricane Helene's landfall. The hospital erected a protective wall known as 'AquaFence' to shield itself from the potential impacts of the storm.
The AquaFence is designed to withstand powerful gusts of up to 130 mph and storm surges reaching heights of 15 feet above sea level. This innovative barrier was put in place to safeguard the hospital's operations and ensure the safety of its patients and staff.
Dustin Pasteur, the vice president of the hospital's facilities and construction division, emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of natural disasters. Despite the impending storm, Tampa General Hospital continued to care for up to 800 patients on-site, prioritizing the well-being of those in need of medical attention.
Pasteur explained that the hospital's infrastructure was specifically designed to weather severe weather events, making evacuation unnecessary for such a large and specialized facility. In preparation for Hurricane Helene, the hospital mobilized a team of 60 staff members to install the protective wall over a three-day period.
By taking proactive steps to fortify its defenses, Tampa General Hospital demonstrated its commitment to providing uninterrupted care to its patients during challenging circumstances. The deployment of the AquaFence serves as a testament to the hospital's dedication to safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
